Originally Posted by Burke

Thanks to everyone who posted previously in this thread. My 2007 Q7 rear hatch stopped latching completely. Now that I've fixed the problem, I think I know what was happening. Due to a broken spring in the helper mechanism attached to the bumper, the latching post wasn't extending upward as far as it should (the spring pulls the post up and toward the hatch). So when the hatch closed, I don't think the latch on the door was effectively grasping the post on the bumper. The primary motor would close the door and I could hear the helper motor trying to retract the post to pull the hatch tight, but the door wouldn't close all the way.

Here is what I saw when I removed the cargo tray and looked at the helper mechanism (notice the spring clearly out of place):


So here is the fix. I was able to salvage the existing spring and didn't need to purchase anything.

Step 1: Remove the entire long chrome trim piece lining the back of the hatch area. First, remove the four Torx screws facing the spare tire. Then pull upward on the trim until it pulls free. Lift carefully and pull up from one side to the other to avoid breaking the tabs that fasten it down or pulling it too far away from the bumper which could break the wiring harness connected to it. I broke one tab, but it still went back together OK. Pull the chrome trim away from the bumper, but don't bother disconnecting the wire. I left the weatherstripping in place on the bumper.

Here is what I saw with the chrome trim removed. Notice the spring is not visible where it should be located (attached to the small black hook near the left-hand silver screw head) and the post is not fully extended toward the hatch.


Step 2: Remove the helper motor assembly. Before loosening and removing the two large silver screws holding it in place (they look like 13mm bolt heads), make a note of the position of the helper motor assembly on the bumper. Mark it with tape so you know where to position it during reassembly. It can be adjusted up or down to loosen or tighten the door's final closed position. These two silver screws don't have nuts, so you can pull them out completely.

Step 3: Retrieve the broken spring if possible. The very end of my spring had broken off.

Step 4: Clean out the gunk that may be jamming up the mechanism. I sprayed WD40 from various angles and worked the post up and down until it moved more freely.

Step 5: Fix the spring and reattach. I used a utility knife to split off two coils from the end of the spring and needle nose pliers to bend these coils up. Reattach the spring as shown.

Fixed spring:


Reattached spring:


Step 6: Reinstall the helper mechanism and replace the trim. Before pushing the trim down into place, use your fingers to pull the edge of the weatherstripping over the lip of the chrome trim. This takes a few minutes. Push the chrome trim down into place and install the Torx screws.

Originally Posted by audiblack73

These instructions were life saver, thanks a lot . I did exactly what you wrote and it worked

Originally Posted by brucebanner

happy to report that my hatch is now closing and working great after replacing part 4F9 827 505 same as chigger. and chigger, it is pretty easy to swap this part. took about 20 minutes.