Apollo

Hello,

Do I have to remove the inside door open/release handle in order to replace the door arm rest chrome backing plates ?

joe_padavano

Yes. Once you remove the outer arm rest, you will see the "C" clip that holds them in place. Simply remove the clip and the handle pulls off the splined shaft.

Apollo

Thank you Joe. How is the backing plate secured to the door panel please?

My442

It is held on by the armrest screws.

Once you take off the armrests, the backing plates fall of.

dalilama

IIRC there are some tension clips that hold the backing plates onto the door panel in a few places. If the backing plates just fall out after removing the arm rests the tabs that the clips grab onto probably broke off. No big deal as the armrest will hold the backing plate. You really need to remove the door panel to get the clips off.