Tailgate regulator removal help

[turtlejoe]

I was trying to replace my tailgate switch tonight, and got stuck trying to figure out how the get the regulator arm retainers out - they're the washer headed fasteners at the center of the gears with an overgrown phillips slot. Before I stripped the heads, I shot 'em with PB Blaster and buttoned everything back up.

Anybody have any neat tricks/tools that got the job done? Do these really unscrew or are they popped in somehow? How hard is too hard to turn?

Any help is greatly appreciated, and TIA.

[John V]

I have been in there more than I care to admit! They don't unscrew, I have used long handled needle nose to pop the little buggers off with pretty good results. Jusy grab em good on one side and roll it towards the middle. I usually have to reform the stupid things but it's worth it to me to not dink with it for hours. Good luck!

[turtlejoe]

Thanks John, I'll try to give it a shot tomorrow night. Sure glad I didn't keep trying to unscrew them! ;)