How Did This Pop Out??

1025 Views 4 Replies 3 Participants Last post by CRnSC, 2 mo ago

WestCanMan

Discussion Starter · 2 mo ago

Just drove back from work, and when I opened my driver's door I could hear a cracking/creaking sound as I tried to open it all the way. There was definite resistance as well. I couldn't see anything stuck in the door, but when I gently tried to open it wide once more, this plastic plug popped out and hit the ground.

The picture is with the door wide open but as the lighting was bad, it obviously didn't turn out clear enough to be of much help. The arrow points to the hole, which is barely visible. It popped out from the vertical area at the front of the door, and is only visible when the door is wide open. The plug doesn't appear to be damaged at all, but I'm wondering how to put it back in again. Never had a plug pop out before, certainly not in a car with only 200 miles on it...

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Bebop

· #2 · 2 mo ago

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WestCanMan

Discussion Starter · #3 · 2 mo ago

I've removed door panels before (with that excellent tool), the problem is the location of the rivet. It's squarely at the front of the door, and only access when the door is wide open. To make matters worse, it's the middle rivet, right behind the door hinge. Even at that, the clearance is only an inch at best, and the outside door panel is in the way, forming a V angle to the frame. I just don't want to scratch the door trying to get it in.

The hinge must have been catching on it and slowly pulling it out. I'll probably just end up taking it to the dealer instead of risking scratching the door. Maybe ask them to put some silicone on it so it doesn't come out again.

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Bebop

· #4 · 2 mo ago

get a new pop rivet, you might have damaged it the last time you took it apart.

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CRnSC

· #5 · 2 mo ago

Can you use something like a ratchet extender with a rubber mallet? Put the "closed" end of the extender on to the "top" of the push rivet? That seems like it would have the surface area along with not having to hit anything close to the frame.

But yes...your best bet would be to replace it with a new one.

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