The rear engine hatch on my 95 U280 has a twist handle in the center of the door behind the license plate and that handle is attached to two cables. Each cable goes to a latch on the sides and when twisted the latches release and you can pull the door up and out. The problem is that the cables appear to have stretched and the latches will not release. I have to reach thru the grill and release them manually. I cannot see any quick way to shorten the cables or make any adjustments. Does not look like cables can be easily replaced.
Any ideas ?
Gary B
Gary,
Can you put a turnbuckle in the cable?
Gary,
You can get a U bolt type cable adjuster at a farm supply or hardware store that should work.
Gary,
I know mine is a 99 but I have had similar problems. First try lubing the latches. When my latches get dry I have to pull the cables to help them release. I just oiled them recently and they open fine now. Also on mine it has several set screws where the cables go through the handle that can be loosened and the cable length can be adjusted. I don't know if you have the same attachments at the handle or not. Hope this will be helpful.
Mark
I will have to look again but I believe that these cables have a swaged on end that sets their length, I did not see any set screws or other means to set the length.
Gary B
Gary,
There is a thing called a "mid cable adjuster" You have to cut the cable and fit it to the ends of the cable. As you only need to shorten the cable a small amount you could just kink the cable slightly and clamp it or feed it over a small curved plate. This will shorten it enough without cutting it. Take a piece of aluminum say 1/2" x 4" x 1/8" and file a slot at each end the same size as the cable. Feed the cable so it comes up through one slot over the plate and down through the other slot. Close (crimp) the slot enough to hold the plate on the cable then bend it slightly. Keep bending until the cable is shortened enough to operate the latch.
Keith
go to ebay and look under[ metal slack adjustment ] . $6.00 and they work great. Gam
I think Joseph may have found the easiest answer. Just make sure that they are not too heavy as, with the bouncing around going along, they don't open the hatch!
Keith
Gary,
My 95 has flat metal straps as connecting linkage. Maybe 1" wide and about 1/8" thick. If you need pics let me know. Gotta go now.
Thanks to all fopr the suggestions, I will have to look closer at these cables.
Gary B