Hatch Adjustment - Excessive Gap

OxZed · 01-31-2018, 08:23 PM

2017 Model here ... and, I can't imagine Nissan let this out of the factory this way - yet, at the same time, there is nothing to indicate otherwise. All panels are factory & the car has had zero body damage.

The gap on my rear hatch is excessive. I've compared to others new-on-the-lot & took panel measurements based on the factory specs detailed in the service manual. The gap is good at the top & down the sides right about to the gas strut mounts ~ then, the gap gets out of spec all the way around to the other side. The weather-stripping does not even touch in this area either.

I've adjusted the latch per the service manual - I have it all the way down & that did help a little, but no cigar. Any ideas??

ZontheRocks · 01-31-2018, 08:58 PM

Unique case, indeed.

Heat must have affected the plastics and soft rubber seals.

OxZed · 01-31-2018, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZontheRocks

Unique case, indeed.

Heat must have affected the plastics and soft rubber seals.

I've bounced this idea around as well ~ quite a bit actually. It did get hot in the cabin, but not "too" hot. Examining everything, I just plain do not see "anything" out of whack in the hatch area ... seals are like new, plastics like new, exterior trim & panels like new.

I just can't make any logic out of this alignment issue being related .. unless it affected the latch itself, but even it works perfectly.

I can push the gate down, & the alignment corrects - but the latch is not holding it there. Another clue is that before I adjusted the latch, I'd have to hit the fob button twice to open the hatch ... first hit released it, but it wouldn't pop up past the latch. I checked the little spring-bumpers on each side - like new.

OxZed · 02-01-2018, 08:19 PM

As a test (that I sort-of already suspected what the result would be), I removed the latch assembly altogether & the hatch sits/lined up perfectly without it.

At this point, I'm pointing the finger at the latch (although it "looks" perfect) or its mount. If the mount, I'm gonna have to do some cutting to gain more adjustment room.

01-31-2018, 08:23 PM	#1 (permalink)
OxZed Base Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: N. Carolina Posts: 71 Drives: 2017 Nissan 370Z SPT Rep Power: 7	Hatch Adjustment - Excessive Gap 2017 Model here ... and, I can't imagine Nissan let this out of the factory this way - yet, at the same time, there is nothing to indicate otherwise. All panels are factory & the car has had zero body damage. The gap on my rear hatch is excessive. I've compared to others new-on-the-lot & took panel measurements based on the factory specs detailed in the service manual. The gap is good at the top & down the sides right about to the gas strut mounts ~ then, the gap gets out of spec all the way around to the other side. The weather-stripping does not even touch in this area either. I've adjusted the latch per the service manual - I have it all the way down & that did help a little, but no cigar. Any ideas??

01-31-2018, 08:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
ZontheRocks Track Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Central Florida Posts: 936 Drives: 2016 Nissan PW 370Z Rep Power: 33079	Unique case, indeed. Heat must have affected the plastics and soft rubber seals. Last edited by ZontheRocks; 01-31-2018 at 09:03 PM. Reason: Foot in mouth

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
CR: New car models that burn excessive oil.	Z Ninja	The Lounge (Off Topic)	3	07-29-2015 08:59 PM
Trading a Z for STi bc of excessive elevation??	RoshDawg	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	23	01-30-2013 01:15 PM
Excessive water from RH side front	scottIN	Nissan 370Z Warranty / Scheduled Maintenance / Servicing / Repairs	2	10-05-2012 09:18 AM
Excessive oil consumption?	Hi-Step'n370Z	Engine & Drivetrain	58	08-31-2012 02:48 PM
Excessive Brake Dust	gpdriver	Brakes & Suspension	31	03-29-2009 11:40 PM

02-01-2018, 08:19 PM	#4 (permalink)
OxZed Base Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: N. Carolina Posts: 71 Drives: 2017 Nissan 370Z SPT Rep Power: 7	As a test (that I sort-of already suspected what the result would be), I removed the latch assembly altogether & the hatch sits/lined up perfectly without it. At this point, I'm pointing the finger at the latch (although it "looks" perfect) or its mount. If the mount, I'm gonna have to do some cutting to gain more adjustment room.