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I'm not sure if repair/maintenance questions for rust prevention/slowdown are all right. Anyhow, here it goes. I'm sure you'll tell me.

Both rear doors (not the back door; I have two rear doors but one back door) have rust dripping out of the door handles. Reports on the net say that the manufacturer used a bolt that rusts with time. Said reports say that the metal panel may still be fine. Replacing the bolt is all that it takes.

I see youtube videos showing how to remove the inside panel. It seems easy, until I'll face the plastic sheathing (which is either hard or impossible to remove without ripping).

And so I'm wondering.

Rather than attempt to reach the rusty bolt through the inside panel, is it possible to remove the rear door handle from the outside?

Sam7919
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2 Answers2

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No. You have to remove the panel to get to the bolt. It is completely within the door structure.

Realistically, don't be so afraid of the weather sheathing. I think most people's problem with it is they try to take it off too fast. The goo which holds it to the door is meant to be pulled apart, then you can re-stick it when you put it back together. You should only have to pull open one corner of it to get to the bolt ... just enough to stick your hand up in there to gain access. Just take your time with it and it will come off there without ripping or deforming. When you are done replacing the bolt (or screw), just reattach the sheathing to the door using the original glue.

If for some reason you happen to rip the plastic in the process of removal, just stick it back up there as well as you can, then repair the plastic by using some duct tape ... this will all be behind the door panel, so any ugliness will be hidden :o)

Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2
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No, you cannot change that bolt without taking the panel off, you'll have to bite the bullet on that one. Don't worry about the plastic, go slow and use a paint scraper or butter knife to help pry it off. If it tears duct tape is your friend.

If rust prevention is your aim you'll want that panel off in any case so you can inspect the inside of the door for damage and prevent it from spreading. At the least you'll want to clean the rust off, get it out of the threads for the new bolt.

GdD
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