Electrical: 240 Estate wiring looms to tailgate

[honestjoe]

Yes indeed..one side at a time..and as previously mentioned good solid props..on assembling its easy to cross thread the hinge bolts and crosshead screw/bolt..get the first bolts in and dont do final tighten up until all are in..I reckon most of us do this on our own..but a spare pair of hands could be useful for alignment...cheers hj.

[radiomark]

i managed to do mine as in the photos without undoing the bolts.

[omegaman]

Thanks everone for your imput, most helpful I now need to do the job!

[Paul240480]

As said before, no need to remove the tailgate, done two 245's now using the 'loop' method.
Just loosen (a smidge) the hinge bolts (one side a time) to allow you to pull the broken wires out of the hinge, then nip it back up again. Then simply re-join the wires with connectors, insulate and 'Bob's yer Dad's brother'.
You do get that 'loop' of wire left loafin' in the boot, but depends how much that worries you.
Good Luck.

[Marvin]

Changed mine begining of the year, used broom handle and the old workmate. One side at a time, its also worth putting a bit of cardboard or thin sponge between the middle of the open tailgate and the roof, so if the tailgate comes in contact with the roof it will not mark it.

[the alarming man]

if you are going to remove tailgate one thing to remeber is...it is REALLY HEAVY

[radiomark]

your not wrong there.pick up a 740 tailgate and then a 240 one.the difference is incredible

[Paul240480]

The safest way to remove the tailgate, if you are going to.

Dis-connect the wire looms both O/S & N/S.
Shut the boot.
Climb into the load space over the rear-seats (or lower the rear seats to get a flat access).
Undo the hinge bolts completely.
Then with assistance, 'open' the boot lid & lift it away from the car
Oh make sure you have somewhere safe to put it first, like an old bit of carpet - you don't wanna be luggin' it about for too long LOL.

[omegaman]

Hi All
Thanks for the imput. The problem I have is no power to the number plate lights. I didn't think I could manage the various methods mentioned which involved taking the tailgate off or undoing the hinges as I have just come out of hospital after major surgery. So I routed a wire through the gromet below the O/S tailgate strut and down to the light cluster then piggy backed it to the rear light. The other end I routed through the hole in the tailgate were the loom can be seen and down to the number plate lights, I disconnected the wire from the loom and plugged in the new wire. This works fine but now the bulb fault light is on. I can live with this until I am well enough to replace the looms. Again thanks every one I will keep your info for use when I do the job properly!