Tailgate alignment

[firstrebel]

The tailgate on my Xantia estate is slightly out of alignment and rubs agains the body. It needs to be moved about 1mm to the nearside.

Where are the adjustment points?

Thanks

Bob

[VertVega]

There are 2 fixed hinges at the tail gate. They have the same size hinge shafts as in the doors. They don't seem to be adjustable.

I had front door misalignment which was caused by hinge welding failure on car body side. The crack line alongside the welding was almost invisible.

[George]

I've had to "adjust" the drivers door on a Xantia after the hinge welding with a trolly jack under the bottom of it.

I would open the tailgate and give it a gentle tug in the required direction.

[addo]

Bob, the hinges are bolted to the body from memory - accessed by rather flimsy clip-on covers in the trailing edge of your roof lining. I don't know if the tailgate side leaf is bolted or bonded.

If it can only be adjusted on the body, you'll need a shim of about 0.3mm under the nearside hinge leaf, to get 1mm of side clearance at the bottom corner. Seal the "broken" paintwork with cavity wax or fish oil splodged generously around during the shimming process.

[firstrebel]

Thanks to all

Bob

[VertVega]

While checking the rear window wiper I also gave a quick look at the tailgate hinges.
The shaft is same as in the doors (Torx 40) and the U-shaped hinge is fixed to the body.
I have also noticed rectangular plastic covers in the ceiling trim, right under the hinges. I have not opened it but there might be some "adjustment" screws there.

[VertVega]

Here is a detail from the Xantia service pages, tailgate glass and moulding.
Number 5 is called Centering Shim. So could it be adjustable

[firstrebel]

Thanks, another job to add to the list.

Bob