Thread: Tailgate latch

Its quite common for the latch to clog with dust on outback roads. Normally a quick squirt with an air hose will clear it.

Also its not a problem exclusive to Land Rovers even the supposedly unstoppable Cruiser door will succumb to this, although usually their door handles just fall off.

Just drive with the windows up and the fan on to presureise the cab stops most of the dust even in a tub as leaky as a Land Rover.

Originally Posted by Andyb43

Just drive with the windows up and the fan on to presureise the cab stops most of the dust even in a tub as leaky as a Land Rover.

We aren't discussing the dust on the inside here. This is the dust on the outside that clogs the rear latch.

I had heaps of trouble with the passengers door latch on the last dusty trip,the back door latch was hard to open,but didnt fail completely.If it did it would have been APITA as i have a cargo barrier.

Both problems seemed to rectify themselves once we got off the dirt roads.

Is there some type of dry lube that can be used?

In the D2 workshop manual there is some kind of lubricant with a LR part no.,but i dunno what it is?

Originally Posted by dm_td5

We aren't discussing the dust on the inside here. This is the dust on the outside that clogs the rear latch.

DUGHHHHH where do you think the latch is fixed on the spare wheel!!!!

It is inside the door seal on the rear door and when you presurise the car it reduces the dust entering the car including the door seals.

Obviously you dont drive much in the dust with the windows up and fan on. Try it next time you might be surprised LOL.

Have a think next time you type LOL

Obviously I know nothing about driving on dirt tracks or where the tailgate latch is on a Discovery 2.

Shame that I owned a Disco 2 for 5 years and that I live at the end of 680km of dirt track. But obviously I know nothing about driving in outback conditions.

So please ignore my previous posts as just idle banter. I'll just crawl back under a rock and leave this to the experts.

Good on you mate.
Next time you go down your drive to the car wash try windows up and fan on you will be surprised LOL.

Ps looks like you need a car wash

Have a nice day LOL

I generally drive with windows up and fan on, as otherwise car fills with dust. Left hand passenger door latch also played up, could only open from outside in the end. I think dust comes in from outside due to vacuum effect behind car and latch being external to door seal.
Is a bit hard to blow out with compressed air, as unable to access latch. Though on next trip could make it part of weekly maintenence. Not a very satisfactory answer, having to dismantle door trims and remove the latches.