Door lock washer

[n2soccer21]

Hi,

I unlocked my driver's side door on y '95 ATX and a black, washer-like piece fell out of the bottom of the door. It is about 1/8" thick, but tapered to one side, and about 1/2" diameter. The door will lock, but it will not unlock when I use the keyless entry (or key probably), and I can hear the mechanism inside working. When I pull on the interior handle, it will unlock. The lock plunger seems like it still works but that without this black washer-like piece it will not operate properly from the exterior.


Does anyone know what this piece is? Is it a washer or did it break off of another piece? Is this problem easily solved? Is it difficult to remove the door panel and replace this part without messing up other mechanical parts? Would this cost much in parts/labor if I took it to a mechanic?


Thanks a lot!
Nick

 

[mrecoolgar]

It's the head of an aluminum rivet.
Likely the one that holds the PL actuator to the door.
You can replace it with 1/4-20 or M6-1.00 bolt and locknut.

 

[n2soccer21]

That's exactly what it is. Thanks a lot! SHO Forums is such an invaluable asset!

 

[n2soccer21]

I've removed the door panel, but I'm having trouble removing the remaining shaft of the old bolt. It will barely stick out of the hole and I can't get a tight enough hold on it to screw it out. I can feel that it's attached to the lock above it with a slender piece, and a wired connection. Is there a way to remove the module so I can remove the screw shaft that way?


Thanks.

 

[jayro]

Is it a bolt or a rivet? I havnt ever messed with that particular piece, but if its a rivet, with the hear off you should be able to push it back through......or drill it out more.

 

[n2soccer21]

It's a pop rivet. It won't stay attached when I simply replace it. I'm not too familiar with how rivets work, so what does drilling it out entail?

Thanks.

 

[mrecoolgar]

The rod is offset kinda like a 'Z'.
It goes thru a plastic retainer like the yellow ones shown.
The 'screw' you ar trying to remove is the rivet nail.
It is smooth like a nail.
Pull the PL actuator towards the front of the car to pull the 'Z' rod end loose.
You'll then have to remove the remaining backside of the rivet along with the rivet nail.

 

[n2soccer21]

Is this an image of the PL actuator itself or the latch mechanism above it? I tried pulling the module forward, but the window track is in the way and it won't pull free. Should I pull on the upper end of the z-rod?

 

[n2soccer21]

Well, I took it to the mechanic and he re-riveted it for $20. Thanks anyway!