BYD Formula Leopard 8 Rear Tailgate Assembly (Side-Hinged Tailgate Assembly)

This product is professionally designed for BYD’s professional personalized brand—the Formula Leopard 8, the brand’s flagship model, serving as a core body structural component installed at the vehicle rear, integrating external spare tire mounting, rear styling, and storage functionality. Featuring a right-to-left side-hinged opening design, it is the signature equipment of the hardcore off-road rear styling.

As a professional manufacturing factory specializing in automotive body structural parts and panels, our rear tailgate assembly strictly follows OE specifications, utilizing high-strength steel construction, dedicated to providing the global aftermarket with high-precision, high-strength, high-reliability replacement and upgrade solutions.

According to Pacific Auto and BitAuto reviews, the Formula Leopard 8 rear features a classic side-hinged tailgate design opening from right to left, equipped with electric suction function . The external full-size spare tire with wrap-around spare tire cover and bracket-style taillights offer high recognition when illuminated, with the rear surround composed of large-area black material echoing the front design . The tailgate also supports expansion accessories such as folding table plates for enhanced outdoor practicality .

Compatible with all BYD Formula Leopard 8 trims (including 2025-2026, Zhiyong Luxury/Zhiyong Flagship/Flash Charge versions). According to vehicle specifications, the Formula Leopard 8 measures 5195×1994×1905mm with a wheelbase of 2920mm and kerb weight of 3305kg, featuring a 5-door body structure . This product features vehicle-specific design, compatible with original tailgate hinge and latch mounting positions.

Preparation

Tools Required

二,OEM Tailgate Removal Steps

Step 1: Remove Tailgate Trim and Handle

Removing the tailgate handle (for film application/removal): Locate the screw holes on the handle, unscrew the screws, and use a plastic pry bar to slowly pry the handle up from the edge. Tuck the internal electronic lock wiring harness inside the door panel to remove the handle.

Removing the silver-gray trim panel (above the spare tire rack): The back of the trim panel is secured with clips. Starting from the edge joint, gently pry open all the clips with the pry bar from both sides until you can remove the panel.

Step 2: Remove Spare Tire and Carrier

1. Remove spare tire: First remove the security bolt using the special socket from the trunk, then remove remaining bolts—take off the spare tire

2. Remove spare tire carrier: Four mounting bolts—the two middle bolts must be removed from inside the tailgate, while the upper and lower bolts are removed from the outside

3. Tool note: Deep internal bolts require an extra-long socket—standard sockets cannot reach

Step 3: Remove Tailgate Hinges and Latch

1. Remove hinges: Remove bolts securing the tailgate hinges to the body (hinges are on the D-pillar side for side-hinged design)—support the tailgate to prevent falling

2. Disconnect harness: Unplug electric suction latch, reverse camera, and other harness connectors

3. Remove old tailgate assembly: Carefully remove the old tailgate assembly—protect surrounding paint

三,New Tailgate Installation Steps

Step 4: Install New Tailgate Assembly

1. Install hinges: Align the new tailgate assembly with the body hinge mounting holes—install hinge bolts and pre-tighten

2. Adjust gaps: Adjust tailgate position to ensure even gaps with the body (2-4mm recommended)—torque hinge bolts to specification

3. Install latch: Install tailgate latch—adjust position to ensure proper alignment with electric suction mechanism

Step 5: Connect Electronic Components

1. Connect electric suction latch harness: Connect the electric suction latch harness connector—ensure secure connection

2. Connect camera harness: Connect reverse camera harness connector—confirm secure connection

3. Organize harness: Route harness to avoid interference with tailgate mechanism—secure with cable ties

Step 6: Install Spare Tire Carrier and Spare Tire

1. Install spare tire carrier: Position the carrier—tighten mounting bolts (install the two middle internal bolts first, then the upper/lower external bolts)

2. Mount spare tire: Mount the spare tire to the carrier—tighten bolts in sequence (standard bolts first, then security bolt)

3. Install silver trim: Align clip positions—press until clips are fully locked

Step 7: Reinstall Trim and Test

1. Reinstall trim: Reinstall tailgate interior trim—align clip positions and press into place

2. Electric suction test: Push tailgate close to the frame—confirm automatic pull-in and latching

3. Camera test: Start vehicle, shift to reverse—confirm reverse camera image is normal

4. Noise check: Open and close the tailgate several times—confirm no rattling or sticking

四,Professional Tips

• Avoid unnecessary interior disassembly: The rear tailgate interior trim can become loose and rattling after excessive disassembly—avoid removing it unless necessary.

• Extra-long socket required: Two carrier bolts are located inside the tailgate—an extra-long socket (with extension) is essential.

• Electric suction tuning: After installation, test the suction force—if abnormal, check latch alignment. Built-in limit blocks share hinge load to prevent deformation-related noise and opening/closing issues.

• Electric conversion not recommended: Due to rear motor and fuel tank placement, the tailgate cannot be converted to top-hinged opening. Electric tailgate modification involves extensive interior disassembly with potential for future rattling.

• Use OEM waterproof grommets for wiring: For additional tailgate equipment (radios, folding tables, etc.), use factory waterproof grommets for hidden routing—no drilling, no exposed wires, completely non-destructive installation.