Help with rear doors!

Michelena · Jul 9th, 2005, 03:35 AM

My friends rear doors won't open from the inside or out, how do I go about fixing it? Can I remove the door panels without having the door open? Car is an 87 4 door sentra.
Your help is appreciated.

recycled_toddler · Jul 9th, 2005, 04:24 PM

It'll be a little difficult, but yes, you can remove the panel with the door closed. You should be able to then locate the rods between the latch/lock mechanisms and adjust as needed. Best of luck!

mille-16i · Jul 9th, 2005, 08:03 PM

just becareful not to mess up the panel I have had to do it on my old B11 and it was tight but possable

SuperStock · Jul 10th, 2005, 01:38 PM

go to the hardware store and get a stiff putty knife with a 45 degree angle. thats what i use to remove the door panels. itll especially work in your application. just go around the perimeter of the door, and make sure u have a window crank removal tool as well.

good luck

Michelena · Jul 10th, 2005, 04:21 PM

Thanks for the info.
Can I use somthing other than the specialty tool to get the window crank off?

mille-16i · Jul 11th, 2005, 01:23 AM

yes a small straight slot screwdriver and be carefull it will work that is all I use I have the clip puller but it is usually easier to use the screwdriver.

Rhys1600 · Jul 11th, 2005, 01:38 AM

Slide a rag in between the winder and the door trim. Then wiggle and the circlip should come off in the rag.

I may be way off, but does this model have child safety locks?

Popkorn · Jul 11th, 2005, 09:39 AM

My old 4dr did the same thing. Cept the lock assy exploded in the front door. Found all the plastic parts in the bottom of the door. snapped them all back together and it was good. The rear doors just took a lot of WD and I don't think I ever got the r/r door to open from the inside consistantly. Use the snorkel and spray the lock and shove it through the window seal, door handle, anywhere you can get at the locks/latches.
I'd try that before the door panels.

recycled_toddler · Jul 11th, 2005, 01:41 PM

I'm pretty sure the '87 4-door has child locks on the rear doors; My loser ex-wife's Sentra wagon has 'em.

mille-16i · Jul 12th, 2005, 04:27 AM

my old 82 4 door had them and I had issues with the mechanism gumming up and I would have to tear off the panel to open the door it sucked but worked once you have it exposed take it out of the door and soak it in like kerosene and then lube the hell out of it that might help you prevent future problems I never did it but I am kinda lazy when it comes to my own cars I know how to fix them when they break so I wait for them to break then do what I need to.

sentrastud · Jul 12th, 2005, 01:38 PM

You could also try jacking a side of the car up just enough to take weight off it and then try opening the door from the outside. (Careful not to drop the car on yourself though!)

If this works... then its probably time for a new car as your frame is sagging...

-Nick