W124 Wagon Hatch Closing Assistant - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

frankstallone · #1 05-07-2008, 08:20 AM

I have been trying to do some research on the closing assistant for W124 300TD wagon rear hatch. I assume the assembly tightens the grip on the hatch when closing. The reason why I am finding out information relating to this is because I just replaced the hatch struts and now the hatch rattles because the closing assistant is not engaging.

Any information about how this unit works, where to go for testing, DIY threads that I missed, other names the units were called, anything would be of help, I can not seem to find anything anywhere so I may be calling this the wrong thing.

Thanks for looking!

P.S. If you search on here for closing assistant there is a thread about the lack of one on the W123 rear hatches but thats about it.

frankstallone · #2 05-07-2008, 09:07 PM

So I replaced after I replaced my struts I can not tell you how it is a pain to actually open the hatch now. I guess the latch mechanism is on its way out but I sometimes have to get into the car and put pressure with my foot on the hatch to get it open.

Bio300TDTdriver · #3 05-07-2008, 11:33 PM

So it worked OK before you changed the struts? Did you damage wires when you changed the struts? The tail gate should still close tightly, without the power assist, mine does. I switched my closing assist unit out, as the motor had burned up in the original one. It doesn't work and I'm trying to figure it out now.

frankstallone · #4 05-08-2008, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bio300TDTdriver

So it worked OK before you changed the struts? Did you damage wires when you changed the struts? The tail gate should still close tightly, without the power assist, mine does. I switched my closing assist unit out, as the motor had burned up in the original one. It doesn't work and I'm trying to figure it out now.

The tail gate never shut completely the way it should in theory. By completely I mean it does latch and hold in place but its never sealed; now that the struts are new there is more force exerted and the gap that was there before (which never made much noise considering the sheer weight of the hatch) is still there but louder.

None of the wires were damaged replacing the struts that I know if, I tried to be as careful as possible in there and I have never seen a properly working W124 wagon hatch door but I do not hear a motor pull the door shut, and there is play in the latch.

My biggest problem now is that I am having difficulty just opening the hatch, I now have to do it on the inside with pressure on the hatch via feet; and the inside handle lets it out all the way at the top of it's movement.

Bio300TDTdriver · #5 05-08-2008, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaiz3n

The tail gate never shut completely the way it should in theory. By completely I mean it does latch and hold in place but its never sealed; now that the struts are new there is more force exerted and the gap that was there before (which never made much noise considering the sheer weight of the hatch) is still there but louder.

None of the wires were damaged replacing the struts that I know if, I tried to be as careful as possible in there and I have never seen a properly working W124 wagon hatch door but I do not hear a motor pull the door shut, and there is play in the latch.

My biggest problem now is that I am having difficulty just opening the hatch, I now have to do it on the inside with pressure on the hatch via feet; and the inside handle lets it out all the way at the top of it's movement.

Have you pulled the panel off the lift gate and removed the closing assist unit?

frankstallone · #6 05-08-2008, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bio300TDTdriver

Have you pulled the panel off the lift gate and removed the closing assist unit?

Not yet; I am planning on doing this in the very near future I am just trying to do research and link up with some other peoples experiences, threads, DIY articles, and any resource I can.

Everything is much appreciated and all knowledge is new to me as I know the basics of how it works but not details. =)

Bio300TDTdriver · #7 05-08-2008, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaiz3n

Not yet; I am planning on doing this in the very near future I am just trying to do research and link up with some other peoples experiences, threads, DIY articles, and any resource I can.

Everything is much appreciated and all knowledge is new to me as I know the basics of how it works but not details. =)

I've adjusted latch and lubed the unit so that it works from the third row. Are you saying you need to push on it with your legs, just to open it? Does it raise smoothly once it is open a few inches?

lkchris · #8 05-08-2008, 12:06 PM

Failure of the rear door wiring harness is VERY common.

frankstallone · #9 05-08-2008, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bio300TDTdriver

I've adjusted latch and lubed the unit so that it works from the third row. Are you saying you need to push on it with your legs, just to open it? Does it raise smoothly once it is open a few inches?

It raises great once its open! Yeah if I go in the back and apply pressure with my feet while lifting the opening latch from the inside is when it seems to open now at this point. I am going try and see if I can get to it sometime today to investigate more.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lkchris

Failure of the rear door wiring harness is VERY common.

Do you know where it fails usually? At the hinge, or in the headliner?