Trunk door striker

[ihassan]

The back door striker on my 2007 Murano has become loose. When I tried tighten it I noticed that there was nothing to grab onto under the screw. It's like the bolt or latchplate from underneath the screw has fallen off. I can't figure out how to get underneath to rebolt the striker on. The door still shuts, but it makes noise while driving.

Any ideas on how can I fix this? .

Thanks

[nitely]

Do a search on rear door lock/latch. There are threads posted on this issue. The area is very prone to rust and failure.

[zebelkhan]

Originally Posted by ihassan

The back door striker on my 2007 Murano has become loose. When I tried tighten it I noticed that there was nothing to grab onto under the screw. It's like the bolt or latchplate from underneath the screw has fallen off. I can't figure out how to get underneath to rebolt the striker on. The door still shuts, but it makes noise while driving.

Any ideas on how can I fix this? .

Thanks

If you are talking about the tailgate, then Nissan really messed up on this and did not provide an access panel to get to the nuts that hold the striker in place. The only option is to actually cut a hole in the body panel to get to them. At least a couple of members that I know of have had this problem. There are several threads on this. See below for two of them:

Rear latch

Help, hatch latching issue

[BigTimeTennis]

Let me share how I remedied my loose 2005 Murano stiker problem for less than $5.00. Once the loose striker became a problem, I went to local hardware store and purchased 1/8" toggle bolt and 1/8" washer (see pix). Any larger toggle bolt and washer are too big and do not work. After inserting both toggle bolts into the holes, all is left is to tighten.

[zebelkhan]

Interesting solution. Good job!

[KMac]

BigTimeTennis, you are my friggin' hero.

[Essexx]

Big Time Tennis's solution worked perfect for me...I have 2006 Murano that had the same issue. The 1/8" toggle bolts were correct, but the washers were too small, so I used some of those rubber washers (for plumbing), since I had a few extras around....However, I am sure bigger washers would have worked fine. Cost of repair: .98 cents (versus who knows how many hundred dollars, taking it to a mechanic.

[pbUSA]

Originally Posted by BigTimeTennis

Let me share how I remedied my loose 2005 Murano stiker problem for less than $5.00. Once the loose striker became a problem, I went to local hardware store and purchased 1/8" toggle bolt and 1/8" washer (see pix). Any larger toggle bolt and washer are too big and do not work. After inserting both toggle bolts into the holes, all is left is to tighten.

Have a 2006 Murano with 45,000 miles. Striker plate on lift gate has broken or became so loose it fell off the screws. It's down in there but no way to retrieve without cutting. Didn't check forums before coming up with my own quick fix....used a tie strap thru the holes where the screws were. Works great unless you slam the door down too hard and strap might snap and break (happened once after a month). Now that I found your solution BigTimeTennis I'll be using your suggestion for a more permanent fix and a great savings! Thanks!

And thanks to all who post great suggestions and info on the forums. Still trying to figure out a good remedy for the floppy sunvisor though

[davidb]

Great fix and pictures. The only addition that I had was to use Threadlock on the bolt. I am hoping that it will help keep it tight.

[mozo1]

check this out: MO liftgate problem and the best solution

[surfcaster]

The backer plate for the striker on my wife's '07 Murano dropped into the chamber of horrors where you can't retrieve it.

Sooooo.... I took out the bolts, then I got a long (5" - 6") M8 bolt and stuck it through one of the bolt holes until it caught into one of the threaded holes in the backer plate.... I carefully screwed it in and lifted the backer plate until I was able to align it with the bolt holes.... I screwed in one of the original bolts, unscrewed the long bolt and screwed in the remaining bolt...

When I got it aligned right.... I unscrewed each bolt separately and coated them with Locktite before I torqued them down for good...

The long M8 bolt cost $1.69
The good thing about this fix is that all parts are original AND you don't have the backer plate rattling around in the chamber of horrors...

Mike

[spastromech]

Originally Posted by BigTimeTennis

Let me share how I remedied my loose 2005 Murano stiker problem for less than $5.00. Once the loose striker became a problem, I went to local hardware store and purchased 1/8" toggle bolt and 1/8" washer (see pix). Any larger toggle bolt and washer are too big and do not work. After inserting both toggle bolts into the holes, all is left is to tighten.

Just did this on my 07. Great tip!