Tailgate handle repair kit
Volvo 700, 900, V90
24.11.2021Almost everyone who has driven a 700 or 900 Volvo estate for a longer period of time knows the problem: the opener in the outside tailgate handle is sluggish and does not return to its default position. You always have to push the opener back. If you forget to do this, the worst that can happen is that the tailgate opens again by itself while you are driving. Up to now, the only solution has been a completely new handle or relatively ineffective attempts to solve the problem with penetrating oil. The new handle is expensive, and the older version up to 95 is no longer available. The reason for the problems is a corroded pivot pin, which jams more and more with increasing corrosion, and the fatiguing spring, which can also be broken occasionally. We now have a permanent repair solution for both tailgate handles available, which is also quite easy to install.
It is clearly visible in the picture: The opening grip for the lock does not move back to its initial position. For the repair, the handle must be removed from the tailgate. Unclip the frame around the inner opener and unscrew the two screws underneath, remove the trim. Then disengage the four lower clips of the panel by turning them 90° and remove them. Now pull the panel slightly inwards at the bottom, push it upwards towards the rear window and remove it.
Unhook the push rods from the lock cylinder and opener. Pull out the licence plate light plugs or sockets, then unscrew the four fasteners of the handle and remove the handle. If the push rod for the lock still has the old two-piece bearing on the opener (Volvo 1321502 and 1321503), you should order Skandix 1055512, which is the new one-piece version. It is much easier to fit in the narrow space of the tailgate, the old bearing tends to get lost without the sheet metal clip. The retaining plate of the opener in the middle of the handle must not be damaged, it is substantial for a permanent repair and part of the joint. If the screws that go through the sheet metal are corroded, it is best to drill them out.
Unhook the spring, if it still has tension, so that it cannot fly away accidentally. Now drive out the bearing pin with a long 3 mm punch.
Clean the holes in the support with a key file and 4 mm drill bit; they must have an inner width of at least 4 mm so that the mechanism works smoothly afterwards.
Now drive the new bearing pin through one side with a little silicone grease, this must work fairly easily. Place the spring in the correct position on the pivot pin and then drive it all the way in.
Then press on the second shaft lock, a 4-5mm socket is well suited for this.
With the newer handle from 95 onwards, hooking the spring is a bit more painstaking because it is tighter and the end to be hooked is difficult to press. The recessed screwdriver from the set 1080400 is excellent for this.
- All notes serve only as an example and do not replace the workshop instructions of the automobile manufacturers! All information is supplied without guarantee!