Removing the Armrest - Easier method?

[Steven]

I will be doing a fair bit of work on the doors this year and am wondering if there is an easy way to remove those two screws that are holding the door handle in place which then allows me to remove the armrest. I normally use an extended screw driver to remove but I always find it a pain to put back on. What's your method?

IMG_1819.jpg

[dmc6960]

MUCH easier - remove the two 10mm bolts holding the metal bracket to the door. Then the handle will remove with trim piece. You'll need an extension, and go down through the door handle area.

[kings1527]

Like Jim said. That's the easiest I've found. To re-install the 10mm bolts, now that can get a little tricky. I've always had good luck taking some masking tape and putting it inside the socket to hold the bolt steady in there. Then just with the extension, socket, and taped in bolt (no ratchet yet), take that setup and start threading it in by hand. Once you get it, then put your ratchet on and get to it.

[Kenny_Z]

To reinstall them I took a piece of stiff vacuum hose and jammed the bolt in one end. The hose lets you snake it in there but still twist it when it gets settled.

[Farrar]

To reinstall them I took a piece of stiff vacuum hose and jammed the bolt in one end. The hose lets you snake it in there but still twist it when it gets settled.

+1 on this method.

[Dangermouse]

I recall someone replacing these bolts with Philips head versions and then using a long magnetized screwdriver to install them.

[TTait]

I tried this, but they can still fall off the screwdriver. I took the tip of the screw and pushed it through a 1" piece of masking tape, and then folded the tape back down to really secure it onto the screwdriver. After you get it in place pull the screwdriver away and the tape breaks.

[Steven]

Thanks for all the tips. Worked great!

[Dangermouse]

Thanks for all the tips. Worked great!

Which method did you use?

[Steven]

I remove the two 10mm bolts holding the metal bracket to the door.