Help! 300TD Broken Tailgate Hinge
 

Does anyone know if it is possible to remove the tailgate hinge on a w123 wagon? My passenger-side hinge arm (the part that actually bolts to the side of the tailgate) snapped in two. I have a parts car with a hinge on it but I don't know how to get the broken half out of my car or how to get the intact replacement out of the parts car. Any help would be greatly appreciated, because the car is not drive-able with the broken hinge. I removed two 10mm hex-head bolts that look like they hold the base of the hinge to the body but even with them out the hinge still doesn't budge.

Thanks!

How to get the hinge out of the parts car might be in the Factory Service Manual. Perhaps someone can post a free site on the internet that you can look at.

I have the FSM and unfortunately there is nothing in there. Maybe there is an addendum or something I don't know about but in the green body book there is no mention of the hinge.

The FSM CD does not have as much in it as the papermanuals do. However, the CD is what you would see on a free internet site.

I have not taken one apart, but lots of MB parts are held in place with hidden clips, and tabs, or gravity assist where tapered parts are wedged together.

I'd try tapping the lower part of the hinge upwards while pulling the top of the hinge up and out.

It wouldn't hurt to spray a little penetrant if there is a visible gap where the hinge attaches to the body.

The part might be held in place with tack welds, or maybe have paint adhesion preventing it from releasing.

Hope this helps.:)

From the parts diagram(https://nemigaparts.com/cat_spares/epc/mercedes/1/fg/123193/68m/74/015/) it appears that the two screws are all that are fastening the hinge to the tailgate. Perhaps the paint and possibly rust/corrosion are holding it in place even with the screws removed.

I would try to dislodge it with a heavy hammer and a solid drift--soft but firm blows with the hammer.

Peter

Thanx for that EPC link ! .

I see the rear TD hatch support is called a 'spring' ~ isn't it a gas charged cylinder ? .

Mine are weak when it's cold out, is there a link to article about how to R & R them ?.

TIA,

I replace the tailgate on a few, it is a beast of work.

Gotta remove the struts, and BEWARE, that tailgate is HEAVY!
Have help, or tie it up to a tree before taking things apart.

I only want to replace the supports, I can imagine the hinge will be a BIG job .

https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Mercedes-W123/78-BODY-Hatch_Strut_Replacement/78-BODY-Hatch_Strut_Replacement.htm

https://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/outside/12265/disc_2/program/Chassis/72-360.pdf

THANK YOU ! .

I was worrying it was a more involved job .

I'll take a look at the rear speakers at the same time, they sound fine but replacing the front ones was a good thing, better sound .

The inner attaching screw is # A 12 398 000 64 , I can't seem to find it in Peach Parts catalog .

Your first post states that the passenger side hinge is broken. If that is the case, that issue needs to be taken care of before doing anything else. As pointed out, the tailgate is extremely heavy and could seriously injure or kill you if it falls on you.

This is not a one person job nor one for the inexperienced.

Be careful out there.

Peter

Yes Peter, it is the hinge that is broken. One person was talking about the struts, and in this case new struts may have contributed to the hinge breaking. I replaced them not long ago (not too hard a job, but a little tricky) and the new ones are very strong. They almost throw the tailgate into the air - or did, until the hinge broke.

I will try softly hitting the hinge with a hammer and a drift - I had thought of that as well and am glad someone else mentioned it. If that doesn't work I'm going to contact some body experts locally and see if they have any suggestions. It's a drag because the car is not drive-able as is and I need to finish its restoration and sell it if possible.

I have had tailgates off and yes, they are heavy, and yes, it is a two person job. They are awkward and need to be respected.

Thanks everyone for all your ideas. I hope I can sort this one out. Seems a shame to lose a whole car for a lousy hinge.

For avoidance of doubt, I assumed that the tailgate was removed from the vehicle before using a drift on the hinge. I would not do it with the tailgate still on the vehicle. My recollection is that the paint is quite thick over the hinge area and may be holding it in place.

Please let us know how you get it removed.

Peter

Is there perhaps a lower third bolt on the outside part of the PS hinge?
On Reference #14 there appears to be a third lower bolt hole on the outside of the DS hinge where it attaches to the body.
https://nemigaparts.com/cat_spares/epc/mercedes/1/fg/123193/68m/74/015/