This 1992 Chevrolet Camaro came in with the complaint of the rear hatch pull down motor runs continuously and it will not close the hatch. This post also applies to Pontiac Firebirds. The fuse had already been removed in order to keep the battery from going dead. On the rear trim panel there are two phillips headed screws that have to be removed. There are also two plastic screws at each end that need to be removed. As you can see from the pictures you really only have to pull one end loose.
After gaining access to the motor assembly you first need to mark the locations of the mounting bolts so that the assembly can be put back in the same location. The mounting screws are the adjustment for the rear hatch at closure. Draw a circle around each bolt with a marker in order to make reassembly easy.
There is also a cable assembly that has to be removed. It can be seen in the center of the picture above. There is a 8mm headed bolt holding it in place
After the assembly is out of the vehicle, you will need to remove the switch from the assembly.
It is retained by a 7mm headed screw.
After the switch is out of the way, you will need to remove three 11mm headed screws that hold the gear cover plate to the plastic housing. Then slide the center metal assembly from the plastic body.
The gear shown below had several teeth missing and was the cause of the motor running all of the time with no mechanism movement. Unscrew the gear from the main shaft and position all of the pieces aside.
Slide the motor assembly up and out of the plastic body.
Now clean up all grease and grime from the parts, making sure not to get any in the thrust bearing.With your cleanup done, place the thrust bearing on the shaft in the correct direction, screw on the new gear and place the thrust washer on the lower end of gear. Place new grease in assembly and reassemble.
Wipe the excess grease from the assembly and reinstall the switch. You are now ready to install it in the car.
