Your station wagon, SUV, or van liftgate may occasionally need replacement, if it is rusted, bent, broken, or heavily scratched.

You can buy a new OEM or aftermarket liftgate to replace your original. But you can also see your salvage yard or used auto parts dealer for a used part. This part will fit perfectly - it should because it came from a vehicle exactly like yours.

Consult a repair manual for specific instructions related to your vehicle on how to replace and install a liftgate. Below are some general instructions. Always remember: safety first.

Think about having your replacement liftgate painted before you install it. Your professional paint shop or body shop can match the color exactly, either through a paint code, computer analysis, or using the "eyes of experience" to visually match the color.

Once you have had your liftgate painted, you are ready to remove the old liftgate and install the replacement. Have a friend help you because the liftgate is heavy and awkward to maneuver.

Disconnect all electrical connections, ground wires and associated parts like harnesses or retaining clips. Note: label all wires and connections for easier reconnect later. Disconnect the support struts, if present. To do this, pry out the clip and slide the support strut out from the ballstud. While your assistant holds the liftgate open, remove the hinge pins. Then the two of you lift the liftgate off and away from the vehicle.

Install the replacement liftgate using the reverse procedure.

It is important to have good liftgate-to-body alignment in order for your liftgate to operate properly. First, check the hinges for play. To do this, completely open the liftgate, then lift the liftgate door up and down. If the door has 1/16th of an inch play in it, it is time to replace the hinges.

Proper alignment is essential for successful liftgate operation. Should you have to align your liftgate, use the following procedure. Loosen the hinge bolts enough so you can move the hinges. Move the liftgate as needed. Your hinges, and therefore your liftgate door, is aligned properly when the top of the liftgate is parallel to the roof, the sides of the liftgate are flush with the rear quarter-panels, and the bottom of the liftgate is flush with the lower sill. If you cannot obtain align properly, you can buy alignment shims and insert them behind the hinges to help you achieve alignment.