Does anyone have a pdf or exploded detailed diagram of the front door with the interior panel removed. I want to remove the door latch and fix the squeaking/groaning once and for all. I know I have to remove the two 10 point screws in the door but am looking to be informed about any possible problems in re-assembly before I actually have to do it.

Just in case, I did the STFA thing and found one but it wasn't in enough detail.

Thanks for any and all help.

Bill Bachhuber
New Hartford, CT
00 A6 4.2

 

the only real problem in re-assembly is securing the door handle... at least it was for me

 

Can you wait until Saturday? Maybe we can work on it together???

 

I'm going to word this like we are removing the drivers door panel.

You know about the 2 screws. So take those out.

Then you have to push the window controls out.
-On the underside of the handle towards the front, there is a hole. I usually use an allen key. What you need to do is push the key in at like a 45 degree angle. What you are doing is pushing a tab in and pushing the controls up. Once out, unhook the connecting wire wires and feed them back into the door. There should be a little foam insert plugging the hole. Just pull it out of the way.

Now you should be ready to start lifting the panel straight up. Its held on by 2 lower hooks and the upper lip that holds onto the metal by the window.
Lift it up just enought to get the upper lip over the door metal. Now you need to reach behind and unhook a few things: To door handle release and the other connectors.
The door handle release is a metal rod with a little hook on it, held in place with a white plastic piece. I ususally pop the plastic piece off the door panel and release that hook.
Next is like 4 wiring connectors of different colors and sizes towards the right side. There is a cut out in the foam material that covers the inside of the panel. Move the flap outta the way and undo all these.

That should be it. Now lift the panel the rest of the way out. You will see your door lock will just fall to the side. Its ok.
You'll see the rest of that interior foam sheet covering the back side. The speaker is screwed to the panel.
You can pull the foam off and access your door handle.

Now.... Getting it back on.
Do everything in reverse, but before you start to hook it back in, Remember to line your doorlock back through its hole.
Then I hold the panel up with my foot and reconnect everything. Side it back into place and screw it in.

Its so much easier than the GM trucks I've done before..

 

I think he has the panel off, he is looking at taking apart the latch itself

 

I don't know BD..the squeaking is REALLY bad with the panel off..gonna give it a whirl tonight

 

Exactly..it's the latch assembly itself that worries me...

 

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/97834/door_lock2.jpg"></center><p>

 

YEAH BABY!!!!!!

 

YGM