View Full Version : Rear Hatch Gasket/Seal
Hey guys,
I have a white '04 Envoy, And the seal that goes around the "liscence plate panel" on the rear hatch is black and really stands out! I've seen a couple of Trailblazers and Envoys without it. If I take mine off, will it leak water into my SUV? Do you think it would be safe to do?
jdits7
09-20-2004, 07:37 AM
I have had mine replaced once, and getting ready to have it replaced again. Not really sure if it needs to be there or not though.
JD
Vince
09-21-2004, 12:18 AM
I have had mine replaced once, and getting ready to have it replaced again. Not really sure if it needs to be there or not though.
JD
Why did you have it replaced? I noticed on mine that it looks like he seal is coming out in a couple of places. Anybody of you other guys have problems with this?
jdits7
09-21-2004, 08:47 AM
I had it replaced because it was sucked in almost halfway around the thing. Basically it just looked horrible. Not sure if it was actually leaking anything or not. I will have to ask when I get it replaced again.
JD
Black Ice
09-21-2004, 06:32 PM
I had the dealer replace that same seal.. just have them redo it.that way you wont have to worry about leaking at all.
Envoy Fan
09-25-2004, 01:56 PM
So far at two years and 15K miles on the '03 Envoy my gasket is still okay. It does spend quite a bit of time in the garage. Could this problem be weather related? Too much sun or ??
Hey guys,
Thanks for all of the info, I was just curious if the gasket was needed because my Envoy is white and that gasket really stands out! I just wanted to know if I could remove it. Thanks again!
slowfastlane
11-10-2004, 12:30 PM
Here's the deal with the gasket around the license plate frame: if you remove it, then the license plate frame will rub the paint off the tailgate!
I have a really, really early Trailblazer. It's a 2002 that I bought in July 2001. Back then, they didn't come with the frame gasket. When I took the car out in the morning, and the sun hit the backend, the tailgate would pop and crack. That was the metal and plastic expanding at different rates. Within about a month, all of the paint around the edge of the license plate frame had rubbed off. So, the dealer repainted it, and then re-seated the plate frame. Two months later, same thing. All of the paint was gone. By then, GM had figured out the problem and had added the gasket to all of the new models and put out instructions to fix the old one. So, the dealer repainted again, and added the gasket. No more paint problems and no more popping and cracking.
Since then, I had the dealer re-seat the gasket 3 times. It kept on getting "sucked under" the frame after a few months. This didn't cause any problems, it just looked bad. I eventually went to another dealer who properly seated it and it's been okay for the past two years.
I know this is late, but I hope this helps someone. I'd hate to see someone else get the paint scraped off the tailgate.
Tommy
11-10-2004, 12:33 PM
Great info. Thanks!
Dshow
11-15-2005, 08:34 PM
The gasket getting sucked behind the license plate piece is a VERY common problem for Trailblazers/Envoys.... (Note the 3 pages of discussion over at Automotive Forums: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=272392&highlight=license+plate+gasket)
I have an '03 Trailblazer and it has been replaced 3x. Since my warranty is about to expire, could someone post a repair proceedure in the Technical Articles section on how to replace myself?
Thanks in advance and great forum!!
jimmyjam
11-15-2005, 08:49 PM
THATS why the paint is all chipped around my license plate holder! I remember people talking about the gasket and wondering what they were talking about. i need to fix this...
I'll look into removing the interior panelling this weekend, I'll take some pics.
Anyone have a P/N for the gasket?
THATS why the paint is all chipped around my license plate holder! I remember people talking about the gasket and wondering what they were talking about. i need to fix this...
I'll look into removing the interior panelling this weekend, I'll take some pics.
You can count on jimmy jam to take the TB apart ALL THE WAY to fix it!:yes: I'm glad you are here, jimmyjam, 'cause I hate to take my interior apart.:yes:
Blulytes
11-15-2005, 09:43 PM
Yup... 2 replacments in the last two years... oh well...
Poor design.
New to TB
11-15-2005, 10:12 PM
Mine isn't pulling in, it is "leaking" out. When the sun hit it on hot summer days it would almost drip out, at the end of the day I would find small balls that I could rub off.
FWIW, the gasket reacts to the dissimilar properties of the plastic and the metal. Since the metal is in the larger outer piece, it will heat up faster than the plastic insert where the plate is mounted. The temp. disparities (sp) will either draw the gasket in or push it out. According to a buddy of mine, there is no real fix , just keep replacing the gasket as needed. :m2: :yes:
Dshow
11-16-2005, 08:49 PM
The last time they replaced my gasket, I had the tech give me a
copy of the TSB... I have not done this and am not sure how to get to the license plate panel...
Rear License Plate Pocket Perimeter Gasket
Loose or Out of Position (Install New Gasket Using Updated Retainer Tightening Sequence)
#04-08-66-001A - (Oct 1,2004)
Rear License Plate Pocket Perimeter Gasket Loose or Out Of Position (Install New Gasket Using
Updated Retainer Tightening Sequence)
2004-2005 Buick Rainier
2002-2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer, TrailBlazer EXT
2002-2005 GMC Envoy, Envoy XL
2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada
This bulletin is being revised to add a model, model year and update the parts information. Please
discard Corporate Bulletin Number 04-08-66-001 (Section 08
Dshow
11-16-2005, 09:05 PM
The previous post cut off the instructions..?
Rear License Plate Pocket Perimeter Gasket
Loose or Out of Position (Install New Gasket Using Updated Retainer Tightening Sequence)
#04-08-66-001A - (Oct 1,2004)
Rear License Plate Pocket Perimeter Gasket Loose or Out Of Position (Install New Gasket Using
Updated Retainer Tightening Sequence)
2004-2005 Buick Rainier
2002-2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer, TrailBlazer EXT
2002-2005 GMC Envoy, Envoy XL
2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada
This bulletin is being revised to add a model, model year and update the parts information. Please
discard Corporate Bulletin Number 04-08-66-001 (Section 08 — Body & Accessories).
Condition
Some customers may comment on a loose or out of position rear license plate pocket perimeter gasket.
Correction
Technicians are to replace the rear license plate pocket perimeter gasket using the following procedure:
1. Remove the rear license plate pocket assembly. Refer to the License Plate Pocket Replacement
procedure in the Body and Accessories section of SI.
2. Remove the rear license plate pocket perimeter gasket.
3. Install a new rear license plate pocket perimeter gasket onto the rear license plate pocket.
4. Install the rear license plate pocket. Refer to the License Plate Pocket Replacement procedure in
the Body and Accessories section of SI. Modify the tightening sequence in step 4 of the
installation procedure as follows:
• Push the entire rear license plate pocket assembly upward in the opening of the liftgate.
Inspect the perimeter gasket to see if it is properly retained.
Tighten
Tighten the rear license plate pocket assembly retaining nuts to 5 N-m (44 Ib in) in the
following order.
• Tighten the upper left retaining nut first.
• Tighten the upper right retaining nut second.
• Tighten the three lower retaining nuts in any order.
Parts Information
Part Number Description Qty
15170981 Seal, Liftgate 0/S Pull Handle (All Except Rainier) 1
89045647 Seal, Liftgate 0/S Pull Handle (Rainier Only) 1
jimmyjam
11-16-2005, 09:14 PM
I'll going to fix this crap this weekend. I'll take pics. Thanks for the part number broseph
ScarabEpic22
11-16-2005, 11:29 PM
I'll going to fix this crap this weekend. I'll take pics. Thanks for the part number broseph
Please take some pics, as Im still not exactly if I have the gasket or not. If I dont, I will pull it apart and see if it is rubbing, but I havent had any paint chips yet.
jimmyjam
11-17-2005, 05:11 PM
OK, did the deed today.
First step is to take off the paneling. Open the glass. to the left of the lock there is a black push pin. take that out. close the glass and open the tailgate.
yank off the top part of the paneling. it just pops out. Then remove the strap using a Torx driver. mine REFUSED to come out and I stripped it. I was pissed so I took a vice grip to it and busted it off. Good luck with this.
http://home.earthlink.net/~jizza_jam/images/tailgateseal/1.jpghttp://home.earthlink.net/~jizza_jam/images/tailgateseal/2.jpg
The rest of the panel just pops off.
http://home.earthlink.net/~jizza_jam/images/tailgateseal/3.jpg
Remove 7 nuts circled (and pointed to) in the picture. Unplug the license plate light.
http://home.earthlink.net/~jizza_jam/images/tailgateseal/4.jpghttp://home.earthlink.net/~jizza_jam/images/tailgateseal/5.jpg
Disconnect the tailgate handle from the popping mechanism as shown. Push the plastic part a little and it should be loose. Go outside your car and pull it out.
http://home.earthlink.net/~jizza_jam/images/tailgateseal/6.jpghttp://home.earthlink.net/~jizza_jam/images/tailgateseal/7.jpg
Put the rubber U seal around the edge of the plastic piece. trim any excess. Push hard against the plastic to make contact (there is gooey black stuff inside the U channel). You may want to touch up any scratched paint around the edge of the tailgate if you had this problem. Don't worry about making it perfect as the rubber seal will cover it.
http://home.earthlink.net/~jizza_jam/images/tailgateseal/8.jpg
Whammy! Reinstall whatever you took out and enjoy!
tblazed
11-17-2005, 05:25 PM
That's GREAT! I might do mine now...all inspired... mine's a 2002 too, made before GM started using that gasket. It being white, I got away with slipping small squares of teflon sheet around the perimeter every 4-6 inches, from the outside, to keep the edge off the paint. Did that about 2 weeks after I bought it before GM even acknowledged there was a paint chipping problem, so the paint isn't damaged. Read about that on Edmund’s as I recall, and sure enough mine was going to start digging into the paint if I didn’t do something. Noticed dirt and grit was getting behind it along the edge and grinding into the paint too. Nice design.
Dacomputernerd
11-17-2005, 05:28 PM
Looks good! i love the completely shaved rear end!
Good job, jimmyjam. :yes: I am jealous that the southern folks get to have nice weather, while today in Chi-town it didn't even get to 30 deg....:cry:
jimmyjam
11-17-2005, 06:46 PM
Are you kidding? its freezing outside! 66 degrees man... I had to put a shirt on.
Dshow
11-17-2005, 06:46 PM
Thanks Jimmy, great job! One question, the black push pin your refer to, where is it and how do you get it out? With the glass open, I saw what looked like a hole about 1" to the left of the lock, is that what your referring to?
Thanks again!
jimmyjam
11-17-2005, 06:53 PM
Thanks Jimmy, great job! One question, the black push pin your refer to, where is it and how do you get it out? With the glass open, I saw what looked like a hole about 1" to the left of the lock, is that what your referring to? yeah, there should be a black pushpin in there
Are you kidding? its freezing outside! 66 degrees man... I had to put a shirt on.
Thats when we take our shirts off....:rotfl:
ScarabEpic22
11-17-2005, 09:19 PM
Thats when we take our shirts off....:rotfl:
I know the feeling, Seattle weather is pretty cool and always raining!
Thanks for the pics jimmy! I like the red on your TB, really nice!:yes: Now that I know what the gasket is, I dont have one because mine is an earlty 02, and there is a tiny paint chip on the bottom of the main tailgate. This weekend I will go ahead and wash the TB, get the gasket, and touch the paint up.
had mine replaced 4 times, last time worked
jimmyjam
11-18-2005, 08:15 AM
just want to add that I took the oportunity to remove the handle on the glass and put a couple coats of black spraypaint on it. looks MUCH better. I don't know about you other '02 owners but mine was turning grey and no amount of mothers back-to-black would make it stay black for more than a few hours.
ScarabEpic22
11-19-2005, 02:43 AM
just want to add that I took the oportunity to remove the handle on the glass and put a couple coats of black spraypaint on it. looks MUCH better. I don't know about you other '02 owners but mine was turning grey and no amount of mothers back-to-black would make it stay black for more than a few hours.
Good idea, I might have to do this as well this weekend.:D
bmm354
11-19-2005, 08:09 PM
Thanks Jimmyjam for the pics! Today I started taking care of this on my '02 Envoy, and the job went smoothly. I say “started” because I put on several coats of touch-up primer and I’m waiting until tomorrow before I’ll go over it with the actual paint. I figured I better cover up all that rubbed-off paint before they start salting the roads!
I'll add a couple of tips:
-You will need a deep-well 10mm socket to remove the 7 nuts holding the plate holder to the liftgate.
-Since there was already corrosion forming on some of the latch parts I doused them with spray lube and white grease in an attempt to ward off any further corrosion.
-Place a rag or rug over the latch so if the liftgate should happen to close, the latch won't catch; a slight inconvenience if you've already removed the handle. This might have happened to me and I might have had to crawl inside to work the latch and open the door. :o
-I replaced the license plate lamps with long-life bulbs since they're super easy to get to with the plate holder removed.
Overall this has been an easy project. A good way to save $60 (what the dealer charges to replace/add the gasket). Oh yeah, almost forgot... the part # for the gasket is 15170981, and it runs about $10.
jimmyjam
11-19-2005, 08:15 PM
Was I the only one who couldn't get the *#(@#!$%! tailgate strap to come off? what # torx bit did you use for that thing? mine did have some lock-tite on it but still thats no excuse for stripping the head...
maybe i"m just too powerful for my own good...
as far as the latch goes, you should be able to pull the release from the outside with that plastic piece removed.
New to TB
11-19-2005, 08:44 PM
Jimmy, next time try placing a soldering iron to the head, it will loosen the Loctite.
bmm354
11-19-2005, 10:52 PM
Was I the only one who couldn't get the *#(@#!$%! tailgate strap to come off? what # torx bit did you use for that thing? mine did have some lock-tite on it but still thats no excuse for stripping the head...
maybe i"m just too powerful for my own good...
I used a T27 bit. As I was unscrewing it, it did something weird and started making a clicking/popping noise right about the time I expected the screw to be free. I'm thinking maybe this small retainer had a lot to do with that:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v607/bmm_MN/Envoy/DSC03393.jpg
You'll notice there's plenty of loctite on the threads too. I was expecting the screw to just come out, but this retainer holds it in place, so it just spins even when it's all the way out of its bore. It makes it hard to tell either if the screw is coming out or if something is broken. Even with the screw all the way out I did have to give the strap a healthy yank to actually get it free.
as far as the latch goes, you should be able to pull the release from the outside with that plastic piece removed.
Well, yes but what I did was shut the tailgate too forcefully after I'd disabled the mechanism (disconnected the red part in your pics) but before I removed the 7 nuts and the holder itself. Don't ask why I had to shut the gate...I'll just say it got cold outside when the wind started blowing and I moved into the garage mid-project. The high was only 45°F today--all this talk about 66° makes me sad! :cry:
Dshow
11-20-2005, 09:16 PM
Can this be added to the Tech Articles section because this is a frequent repair?
Thanks.
Gaspar
04-02-2006, 11:13 PM
he, he...
I just changed that gasket... and let me tell you it's e-a-s-y :D
It took me way longer to clean the mess from the previous gasket with goof off than the actual change.
After I installed (and tighten those bolts hard enough) I noticed that the amount of plastic that gasket bites in the top corners is about half of the bottom corners.. I think this is a simple design error but this could easily be solved by a thicker gasket cause if it could grab to the plastic piece better there is no way that gasket would move..
I don't think it has to do with thermal expansion of the door and the plastic piece, I think its the gasket material.. it simply shrinks too much. I noticed that when I brought it inside (my garage is freezing cold) and re-installed a few minutes after... suddenly I had like 3/4" more than when I installed in in the garage... Anyway this doesn't solve the problem..
GM are you listening??
Bye
Gaspar
new to tb, ibew here too, ibew1049, long island new york
New to TB
04-03-2006, 06:51 PM
new to tb, ibew here too, ibew1049, long island new york
Hey, another brother!
Make sure to post in this thread:
http://forums.trailvoy.com/showthread.php?t=6186
MTPockets
04-03-2006, 07:30 PM
Oh no.. 2 wire nuts (or sparkies) on the same board!:crazy:
Joel
TrailBlazer25
04-06-2006, 08:38 PM
if you remove that gasket, your cargo will stay dry... some of the trailblazers now come without that gasket all together. if you have one that is sinking in, coming loose or the glue is oooozing all over the rest of the truck, there is a service bulletin for this issue and your local chevy dealer will fix it for you at no charge.
It does look like GM could have found a better way to glue that gasket in place without all the glue showing. My wife and I test drove a used '02 trailblazer before buying a new '05 trailblazer. I noticed the gasket on the '02 had sucked in and by the appearance of the glue, I assumed someone had tried to re-glue it and had done a poor job. But, then I noticed that the '05 we bought had just as sloppy of a glue job, as did all the others on the lot. That's bad enough, but what really bothers me the most is that the car wash mit fibers get caught in it when you wash it. You notice it when you go to wipe it dry and you have to pick the hair out of it - kind of fuzzy looking. :confused:
technosapien
02-04-2010, 09:11 PM
Overall this has been an easy project. A good way to save $60 (what the dealer charges to replace/add the gasket). Oh yeah, almost forgot... the part # for the gasket is 15170981, and it runs about $10.
Leave it to me to dreg up a 5-year-old topic but I have to replace the seal on my 04 Envoy, and had a quick question before I take my tailgate apart.... Do I need a glue or adhesive of any sort to hold the seal in-place? It seems part of this issue many people have had has to do with too much glue used to attach the seal originally... which would seem to imply something is needed when replacing. Yes? No?
Thanks!
- A
jimmyjam
02-05-2010, 07:39 AM
Leave it to me to dreg up a 5-year-old topic but I have to replace the seal on my 04 Envoy, and had a quick question before I take my tailgate apart.... Do I need a glue or adhesive of any sort to hold the seal in-place? It seems part of this issue many people have had has to do with too much glue used to attach the seal originally... which would seem to imply something is needed when replacing. Yes? No?
Thanks!
- A
the part comes from the dealership with the gunk pre-applied