Just go for it.  The hardest part will be removing the inner panel from the
hatch w/o breaking too many of the plastic pins.  This might also be a good
excuse to buy a #3 Phillips if you don't have one.

Larry A.

On Mon, Aug 10, 2015 at 6:37 PM, Jack Botts <johnnyjewel43@hotmail.com>
wrote:

> Last week Larry A. wrote the following regarding operation of the rear
> hatch power lock:
> "There is a little spring loaded pin that slides back and forth and drops
> into a detent at each end.  This area must be lubricated well.  Upon close
> inspection you may also find a slight ridge in the casting that interferes
> with the pins motion when you are unlucky.  Changing the shape of the
> casting slightly with a file or Dremel will improve operation."
>
> I have intermittent poor behavior of my hatch power lock, and lubrication
> maybe part of the solution..
> Question: Can I remove the latch from the hatch without springs and other
> parts flying into hidden corners of my garage? Also, will any adjusting be
> necessary after re-installing the latch, like for properalignment of the
> striker plate?
> Jack Botts
> Columbia, MO
> '86 Vanagon Westfalia Weekender
> '14 Passat SE TDI