Door Panel Removal

[jnicks01]

99 4 door tahoe LT. My front interior door handle has broke. Need to repair the rod/clip/whatever. Problem is, I have no idea how to get the door panel off. Does anyone know a good website that has a step by step process, or can give me a quick explaination? I have most standard tools. Is there some other tool I should buy to help? I will most likely get a few of those plastic clips from the dealer, because I understand they easily break. Thanks again.

[DJ JEFF]

Originally Posted by jnicks01

99 4 door tahoe LT. My front interior door handle has broke. Need to repair the rod/clip/whatever. Problem is, I have no idea how to get the door panel off. Does anyone know a good website that has a step by step process, or can give me a quick explaination? I have most standard tools. Is there some other tool I should buy to help? I will most likely get a few of those plastic clips from the dealer, because I understand they easily break. Thanks again.

You take out the screws on the arm rest or door pull it should slide forward slightly and come off. Remove the window crank if you have one, use a scribe or some sort of pick to pull the C clip. Remove the plastic molding around the door handle by prying carefully with a regular screwdriver, at the top and bottem of the molding.

Use a flat bar start at the bottom of the door and carefully start prying the panel. It should pop loudly for every plastic holder. You need to take the corner piece off in the upper corner where the mirror is bolted on. I remember having to take that off. Once you think you have all the plastic holders popped, I think you need to have the window all the way down, and you may have to disconnect the power window controls. I don't have power windows in my truck so I don't know what that looks like. Lift up on the panel from the bottom and then pull up on it and it should come off the door.

Once you have the panel off disconnect the power window controls and carefully remove the dust barrior, try not to rip it. You'll want to put that back on otherwise you will feel a drafts coming through the door. Remove all the screws on the inside panel. You won't be taking that completly off. You just have to have it loose to you get your hands in there. The door handle is pretty easy from there. You should be able figure it out by looking at it. All together it took me about a half hour it was a lot easier then I thought it was going to be.

While you have the door panel off use some kroil or liquid wrench on your latch and all other moving parts you see in there.