Hi all,

Rear tailgate cable snapped... Bolt is proper rusty! Been trying for ages now to get it off.

Any suggestions on how to best get this off?

Click image to enlarge

Dremel Previous cars:
S-Max 2007-2013 (only diesel I've had, good car but expensive when diesely bits go wrong, so what's the point?)
Galaxy 2001-2007
Mondeo Estate 1997-2001
Sierra Estate 1993-1997
Uno Turbo 1987 -1993
Fiesta 1984 - 1987
Fiat 127 1982 - 1984

A big pair of mole grips  2010 RR Autobiography 5.0 SC
2020 F-Pace SVR 5.0 SC
2018 RRS HSE Dynamic 3.0
2014 Disco XXV
2011 Disco 3.0
2009 RRS HST V8

Sorted, admitted defeat and took it to a garage.

Cost....

Click image to enlarge

Wish I did the same
Tried it myself and it snapped off .Tried to drill it it and it just made a mess so I now have a hole which needs welding and tapping to make good again

When I replaced my tailgate cables, I pulled the rubber caps back and sprayed some white grease using the small straw down into the steel cable to try and protect it from water and rust.
Might be worth thinking about.

This was one of the first "10 minute" jobs that I tackled and the first bolt snapped flush to the body.
Cut a slot with the dremel and managed to work it free.
The other three bolts came out without fuss.

Quick question to those who have replaced their straps, should they be tight so the collar can not swivel or loose enough so that it can when the cable folds on closing? ---------------------------------
2008 L322 Supercharged
2007 Porsche 987 Boxster S
2024 BMW iX3

My understanding is that they should be nipped up just enough to allow them to swivel around the central insert to allow the cable to move freely into the right position when closed. Otherwise the cable is always being stressed when the tailgate is shut.

Nipping them up just right is very tricky, though, and they have a tendency to work loose over time so I check mine at regular intervals. 2012 TDV8 Westminster in the New Forest

Also: Land Rover Series 3 SWB, Mercedes 280SL, Classic Mini race replica, VW Golf SV
Previously: Audi A8, RR TDV8 Vogue, Audi Allroad, VW Golf GTI Edition 30, Audi A4 Avant, A8, A4 Sport, A6, VW Golf Mk5, Bora, Golf GTI Mk3, Jetta Mk3, Passat, Jetta Mk1, Golf Mk1

Thanks for confirming. Thats what I thought. ---------------------------------
2008 L322 Supercharged
2007 Porsche 987 Boxster S
2024 BMW iX3

if you are using genuine cables and bolts the bolts are shouldered so that the cable cannot be nipped tight.

Like others I spray them with lubricant regularly.

David Range Rover 4.2 Supercharged 2006
Ford Focus EcoBoost 1.5 2017
MG TF 2003

Previous Cars of note
Land Rover Discovery 2
Jaguar Mk2 3.8 - Company car
MG Midget 1974 - Concours