Removing door panel

benhar

benhar

New member
I remember a while back there was a post with a really nice guide for removing the console and trim to install a navigation unit. Does anyone know of a similiar guide for removing the inside panel of the front door? I need to get behind it to stop a persitant and annoying rattle that Toyota can't/won't seem to fix.

The rattle is being caused by the linkage arms of the door latch and lock hitting against the silver trim piece. I figure some sort of rubber gasket may fix it, but I'm too nervous to take the panel off for fear of breaking a clip or something.

Also, does anyone have any tips or know of something I need to watch out for when I finally get brave ebough to try it?
 
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sharp4runr said:
I've got this bookmarked for the door panel: http://people.clarkson.edu/~calisec/4runner/4runner2003.htm

Hope it helps.

Here is the one for the navi if you need it: http://www.castulucci.com/projects/carpc/oemnaviaccess/
Click to expand...
Awesome! Thanks a lot, that will be a big help.

Another question... the pdf file refers to clip removers. Does anyone know what those are or what would be a good substitute? Also, any recommendations for what to use as a cushion/insulation between the linkage cables and the door trim?
 
Door Rattle

Check the bolt on the lower inside of the door panel. The bolt holds the skin of the outside door panel in place. Mine was very loose (2003 V8 Sport) This was causing a rattle at highway speeds. When I tried to tighten it...the threads were stripped on the bolt. I was able to shorter the bolt and threaded it back on. Problem fixed.
 
Clip Remover

benhar said:
Awesome! Thanks a lot, that will be a big help.

Another question... the pdf file refers to clip removers. Does anyone know what those are or what would be a good substitute? Also, any recommendations for what to use as a cushion/insulation between the linkage cables and the door trim?
Click to expand...

A clip remover looks a lot like a screwdriver handle with a small prybar for a shaft. The end has a flat blade with a notch for getting underneath the clips behind the panel and prying them out. Most auto parts stores carry then in the tool section.

Unfortunately you WILL break a few clips. Be prepared to spend a few dollars to replace them. Also, sometimes a removed clip that does not break, will not clip back in securely because it gets deformed taking it out.

Just so you know.
 
Re: Clip Remover

ToolmanJohn said:
A clip remover looks a lot like a screwdriver handle with a small prybar for a shaft. The end has a flat blade with a notch for getting underneath the clips behind the panel and prying them out. Most auto parts stores carry then in the tool section.

Unfortunately you WILL break a few clips. Be prepared to spend a few dollars to replace them. Also, sometimes a removed clip that does not break, will not clip back in securely because it gets deformed taking it out.

Just so you know.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the heads up, I may go ahead and order some off Partznet before attempting this.

Originally posted by Cougar
Check the bolt on the lower inside of the door panel. The bolt holds the skin of the outside door panel in place. Mine was very loose (2003 V8 Sport) This was causing a rattle at highway speeds. When I tried to tighten it...the threads were stripped on the bolt. I was able to shorter the bolt and threaded it back on. Problem fixed.
Click to expand...
I'll definitely check that, but I don't think that's the problem. The rattling stops when I push in on the silver trim along the top, which sounds inconsistentwith the problem you had. But I've been wrong before, so I'll give it a shot!
 
Removing inside bezel

Can anyone give any tips on removing the inside handle bezel?

Looking at the PDF, I guess I need to remove that in order to get to the screws so I can remove the door panel.

Thanks in advance!
 
Re: Removing inside bezel

tjg184 said:
Can anyone give any tips on removing the inside handle bezel?

Looking at the PDF, I guess I need to remove that in order to get to the screws so I can remove the door panel.

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

Flat screwdriver with some electrical tape (so you don't scratch) works just dandy. Just get behind it and should pop right off. These door panels on the 4th gen are a piece of cake to take apart.
 
so did you ever resolve the rattle? I've taken my panel off two or three times now and can't seem to fix the rattle.
 
yes, i finally did. it was actually the locking mechanism on the door. it was covered under warranty luckily.

just for a fyi on diagnosing the rattle, apply pressure to the door with your elbow. if it stops rattling, there's a good chance it's the same problem i had. they might also be able to adjust the striker (the u bolt looking thing on the inside of the door frame).

one thing that i did was to completely remove the door panel from the door and drive it. if it is still making the noise (my was), then it's definitely not the panel.

hope this helps.
 
Last edited:
tjg184 said:
yes, i finally did. it was actually the locking mechanism on the door. it was covered under warranty luckily.

just for a fyi on diagnosing the rattle, apply pressure to the door with your elbow. if it stops rattling, there's a good chance it's the same problem i had. they might also be able to adjust the striker (the u bolt looking thing on the inside of the door frame).

one thing that i did was to completely remove the door panel from the door and drive it. if it is still making the noise (my was), then it's definitely not the panel.

hope this helps.
Click to expand...

I have the rattle in my truck now, it just recently started. If it's the locking mechanism and they have to fix it under warranty, how long would it take for them to do it?
 
It took them one day to fix the problem after the parts were ordered.

But, the problem is fixed, so I'm happy.
 
Last night when I was driving, I tried pushing on the door to see if it would stop rattling, and it didn't. Does this mean it's not the same problem, and might be something inside the door panel?
 
Door rattle

Josh,

I actually noticed the door skin was loose on mine. I don't think pushing on the inside would make a difference. Open the door and slightly push or tap the lower outside part of the door and see if it moves. If it does, tighten the bolt on the inside, it's visible and you don't have to take anything off to see it. Hope this helps.
 
Re: Door rattle

Cougar said:
Josh,

I actually noticed the door skin was loose on mine. I don't think pushing on the inside would make a difference. Open the door and slightly push or tap the lower outside part of the door and see if it moves. If it does, tighten the bolt on the inside, it's visible and you don't have to take anything off to see it. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...

I'll give that a try before I remove the panel later today, thanks.
 
Does anybody know a manual for taking off panels in general? I downloaded almost the whole repair manual for my runner. The only trim guide it had was for the footrest. The back panel has got a nasty rattle, and the one time I took it to the dealer it was whisper quiet. I need to take that panel off and took a look behind it...but I don't want to jack up the weather stripping.
 
sharp4runr said:
I've got this bookmarked for the door panel: http://people.clarkson.edu/~calisec/4runner/4runner2003.htm

Hope it helps.

Here is the one for the navi if you need it: http://www.castulucci.com/projects/carpc/oemnaviaccess/
Click to expand...
Thanks!!!! I found that console disassembly before, and thought I'd seen it here as a thread; I've been looking for it again ever since!

I'm thinking about tapping into the one power outlet and adding a multi-unit inside the console box (for traveling - cell phones, Zune, etc.), but I couldn't figure out how to access the inside of the console without damaging something.
 
Does anyone have this pdf? The link is dead. If so, can you send it to my email? It's layne [dot] turner at gmail [dot] com. Thanks much.
 
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