F150 tailgate handle sticking

[buck91]

The handle for my 18 F150 likes to stick in the open position when pulled. I’ve tried a couple of different spray grease and lubes in the past without improvement so today I finally got it all cleaned up with engine degreaser and a hose which seems to have helped a lot- at least for now.

What should I relube the handle latch mechanism with? What- if anything- should I relive the actual latches on each side with?

 

[MParr]

Lithium spay lube.

 

[buck91]

Lithium spay lube.

Sounds messy and like it will gum up with road dust

 

[MParr]

Sounds messy and like it will gum up with road dust

Take the inside tailgate panel off and have a look. The best way to lubricate the moving parts is to remove the panel. I see that you’re in Michigan. There’s probably a lot of rust in there.

 

[buck91]

Take the inside tailgate panel off and have a look. The best way to lubricate the moving parts is to remove the panel. I see that you’re in Michigan. There’s probably a lot of rust in there.

I had it greased with a waterproof spray on grease before, everything looks pristine after cleaning it! Debating on picking up a dry lube aerosol, using fluid film, or spray lithium grease.

 

[Chris142]

imo white lithium gets sticky after a while. lucas sells red and tacky in an aerosol spray that may not get sticky later on.

 

[MParr]

Are the latches and springs on both sides of the tailgate clean and well lubed?

 

[meep]

There’s a recall on 2018 tailgates, for some “might open in traffic” rationale. Is yours recalled?

 

[buck91]

There’s a recall on 2018 tailgates, for some “might open in traffic” rationale. Is yours recalled?

No, I wish. Its definitely the latch handle though. Pulled everything apart today and the handle is whats sticking. Everything works great when I disconnect it. Tried cleaning and oiling the handle hinge pins with zero difference. I suspect oxidation causing them to swell in the plastic hinge.

 

[buck91]

Looks dirtier in the pic than it really is, for some reason the camera contrast really makes the dust pop. Anyways, sprayed with contact cleaner and relubed a couple of different times to see if anything helped but nothing felt like it would penetrate the pin hinges. Tried penetrating dry lube, regular penetrating oil and silicone oil without improvement. Next step I'm hoping I can drift those hinge pins out a bit but access is not in-line so I'm a bit concerned.