Power Liftgate Grinding Sound

[Grady_Wilson]

I think you have a bad lift motor. While you're replacing that, might as well replace the tailgate struts, too. They're cheap. Stabilus brand from Rock Auto are like $12 a piece.

You might try replacing the struts first, to see if that might de-stress the lift motor enough so it doesn't skip teeth.

OP mentioned that he tried replacing the struts first thing with no luck.

 

[spectralen]

I think you have a bad lift motor. While you're replacing that, might as well replace the tailgate struts, too. They're cheap. Stabilus brand from Rock Auto are like $12 a piece.

You might try replacing the struts first, to see if that might de-stress the lift motor enough so it doesn't skip teeth.

I did that but it didn’t fix it.
The nylon gears look good, no sign of wear.

 

[Big Mama]

Did you notice if the trim panel on the left side around the strut was loose?

 

[mikez71]

Could it be the metal serrations skipping? (first picture) Possible clutch mechanism?

 

[Geotrash]

I did that but it didn’t fix it.
The nylon gears look good, no sign of wear.

That gear and clutch assembly is a pretty common failure item. Many local parts stores even carry the Dorman replacement part. https://a.co/d/0hfT5vWU

It fit my 2012 despite saying it didn't.

 

[petethepug]

Great documentation on what’s going on. Looking forward to seeing what the gremlin is going to be.

 

[Johnjkerr96]

I have the same problem. The trim is loose on the left side and I've tried to pop it back into place with out any success.
I did not see any comments on how to fix this.
Any help would be great

 

[Big Mama]

My problem was the strut bent and popped off the panel. I never got it to reseat very well so I used a small piece of black gorilla tape where the 2 pieces come together until I get new clips.