Crossover owners Skoda Yeti are often faced with the need to access the internal mechanisms of the front door. This could be caused by a broken window regulator, replacing speakers, eliminating squeaks, or repairing a lock. The procedure for removing the door card requires care, since the plastic elements of the interior are quite fragile and easily break if handled carelessly.
The main difficulty of the work lies in the hidden location of fasteners and specific clips that hold the casing. Incorrect force can lead to cracks in the panel or deformation of the fasteners, which subsequently causes extraneous noise along the way. In this article we will analyze a step-by-step algorithm of actions so that you can safely dismantle the parts.
Preparing tools and workspace
Before you begin physical impact on interior elements, you need to prepare a suitable set of tools. The lack of specialized tools often causes damage to the paintwork or the plastic itself. You will need flathead screwdrivers with rounded edges to avoid scratching the surface, as well as a set of 8 and 10 millimeter sockets.
The work area should be well lit, as some screws are hidden in deep recesses. It is also recommended to prepare a container for small fasteners so as not to lose them during disassembly. Use gloves to protect your hands and skin from sharp metal edges inside the door.
- ๐ ๏ธ Set of flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
- ๐ง Ratchet wrench with extension and sockets
- ๐งค Protective gloves for working with metal
- ๐ฆ Container for storing bolts and screws
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not use regular hard steel paddles without protection as they are guaranteed to leave deep marks on the door frame and handbrake. It is best to wrap the working part of the tool with electrical tape or use a plastic puller.
Removing External Controls and Blanks
The first step is always to remove the decorative stubs, behind which the main fastener is hidden. On the door. Skoda Yeti They are located in the area of the opening handle from the inside and in the armrest. Carefully apply the plastic cap with a screwdriver, trying not to catch the paint or chrome. After removing the plug, you will see a screw that needs to be unscrewed.
Pay special attention to the control unit windows. It is mounted on clips and has an electric connector. To dismantle it, you need to tamper with the panel from below until it gets out of the hook. Do not pull the block by the wires, as this can lead to a break in the veins or damage to the contacts. After removing the panel, turn off the connector by pressing the lock.
- ๐ฉ Unscrew the screws in the recesses of the handles and armrest
- ๐ Carefully disconnect the electric windows.
- ๐ช Remove the decorative insert from the inner handle
At this stage, it is important to keep all plastic linings intact, as replacing them in the original is expensive. If you plan to further paint or tuning, remove all elements as carefully as possible.
- Standard screwdriver set
- Special puller
- Homemade spatula
- I'm not filming anything
Unscrewing Hidden Bolts and Dismantling the Map
After all the visible screws are removed, you can proceed to the removal of the plastic card itself. It is held on metal bolts at the bottom and around the perimeter, as well as on plastic clips. Start at the bottom of the door, where two 8 or 10 millimeter bolts are usually located. Use a rattle with an extension cord to reach them effortlessly.
When the bolts are unscrewed, you need to snap the clips. This should be done with a sharp but controlled movement. Pull the panel from below and pull it over. Audible click will mean the release of the fixer. Walk around the perimeter of the door, freeing up all the mounting points. Do not apply excessive force to one place, so as not to break the fragile plastic.
- ๐ง Unscrew the bottom bolts of the card mount
- ๐จ Evenly click clips around the perimeter
- ๐ช Raise the map up to remove the hinges from the locks
During the dismantling process, be extremely careful with the wiring of the door lighting. If you don't plan to turn it off, just pull it aside. If you need to remove the door completely, disconnect the light connector by pressing the lock.
โ๏ธ Dismantling tools
What if the clip doesn't come out?
If the clip does not come out when putting on, try to slightly raise the panel up. Often the locks are hooked to the edge of the door. If the force is too great, check to see if there are untwisted bolts left in the hidden niches.
Working with waterproofing and internal mechanisms
After removing the plastic card, you will see a layer of waterproofing that covers the metal structure of the door. This layer is made of polyethylene or bitumen mastic and glued to the metal. If you only need to replace the windows, you can carefully unstick the piece of film in the right place, without removing it completely.
When peeling off, be careful, as the mastic can dry and crumble. In some cases, it has to be cut with a knife. Be sure to keep a piece of waterproofing or prepare a new scotch to restore leakage after repair. Moisture trapped inside the door can cause corrosion or closure of the wiring.
โ ๏ธ Note: When working with bitumen insulation, use a respirator and gloves. Heated mastic emits an unpleasant smell, and its remnants are difficult to wash off the skin and tools.
Inside the door are the main nodes: lock cables, window-lifting mechanisms and speaker wiring. All connections are made on connectors or bolts. Before starting work with the mechanisms, it is recommended to disconnect the car battery to avoid short circuit.
Before unsticking the waterproofing, take a photo of its location on the phone. This will help to return it to the place after repair and not confuse the layers.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Many beginners make the mistake of trying to rip off the door map with a jerk without first unscrewing all the bolts. This causes clips to break out along with pieces of plastic, leaving holes in the skin. Always check for hidden attachments, especially in the area of the armrest and mirror.
Another common problem is the loss of small screws that fall inside the door. To avoid this, use a magnetic holder or stick screws to the surface with tape after unscrewing. Also, do not leave open connectors without protection from dust and moisture.
- โ Do not pull the card by force until all screws are completely unscrewed.
- โ Do not tear waterproofing without need
- โ Do not leave open wires without insulation.
Using inappropriate tools, such as a sharp edge screwdriver instead of a flat blade, can cause irreversible damage. Invest in a quality rental to save on salon repairs in the future.
| Fastening element | Fastener type | Tool size | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Armrest | Screw under the plug | Phillips screwdriver PH2 | Central part of the handle |
| Inner handle | Screw under the decorative insert | Flat head screwdriver | At the base of the pen |
| Down the door. | Bolt | Head at 8 or 10 mm | Downtown and downside. |
| Electric windows block | Clips | Puller | Armrest |
| Door card | Spring clips | Manual dismantling | All around the perimeter. |
Installation of the plating in place
Installation is carried out in reverse order. First, make sure that the waterproofing is sealed and has no clamps. Then combine the door map with the locks on the metal frame. Start at the top edge by hooking it by loops or protrusions, then gently press it around the perimeter.
The strikes on the map must be uniform so that the clips enter their seats with a characteristic click. After installation, check if the panel is hanging. If there is a backlash, then the clip did not sit down to the end, and it needs to be pressed again.
At the end, twist all the screws and install decorative plugs. Connect the connectors of the electric windows and check the mechanisms. Make sure the buttons are easily pressed and do not get stuck.
Proper installation of clips is the key to the absence of creaks and vibrations in the cabin. If the panel dangles, it will lead to rapid wear of the plastic and the appearance of unpleasant sounds when driving.
Frequent questions about dismantling
Do I need to remove the rearview mirror before removing the skin?
No, you don't need to take off the mirror. It is attached separately to the glass or metal frame and does not interfere with the dismantling of the door map. However, be careful not to damage the mirror wiring when clipping.
How do I replace broken clips?
Broken clips can be replaced with new ones, buying them in specialized auto parts stores. They're sold as kits for Skoda Yeti. Insert a new clip into the hole in the door, and then install the card, pressing it until the click.
What to do if the waterproofing is unstuck?
If the waterproofing is unstuck, it can be restored using double-sided car tape or bitumen mastic. Apply the composition to the metal and tightly press the film, smoothing out the folds.
Is it possible to remove the card without special tools?
Theoretically, you can use a regular flat screwdriver, but the risk of damage to plastic is extremely high. It is recommended to use a plastic removable or wrap the screwdriver with a seal to protect the surface.
How to check the efficiency of the window before assembly?
Connect the connectors, turn on the ignition and check the operation of the buttons. Make sure the glass rises and falls smoothly, without jamming. Only then can the power be turned off and the door assembled.