Removing Door Cards

[Tom_91]

Can anyone please direct me to a good guide for removing the door cards? All I could find is a YouTube video with a couple of still images.

I found the clips I apparently need on eBay as they break easily. What type/size screwdriver do I need?

The centre panel of my door card is the culprit for all my door rattling woes and I'm determined to fix it

 

[Fmxvxx]

From memory There are only 2 bolts that hold the door card on T20 that sits behind the cover on the door handle and a T20 that sits underneath the centre panel once those 2 screws are out start from the bottom left corner and start popping the clips out.

 

[Tom_91]

From memory There are only 2 bolts that hold the door card on T20 that sits behind the cover on the door handle and a T20 that sits underneath the centre panel once those 2 screws are out start from the bottom left corner and start popping the clips out.

Thanks for that. Are there wires or anything I should be particularly careful of when removing the panel?

 

[Fmxvxx]

Yes there are a number of connections behind the panel which need to be disconnected the most common to break is the window switch as this is the shortest cable with the least amount of play, it doesn't tend to break the cable but it damages the bottom of the switch and will need replacing.

What kind of tools do you have? Ss the door card is very easy to mar if using non nylon trim tools on it.

 

[JACUPRA280]

Thanks for that. Are there wires or anything I should be particularly careful of when removing the panel?

Hi mate,

This thread has links to picture step-by-step guides for removing all trim in the Leon MK3:

http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=417747&highlight=simmo1

That should be all you need.

 

[Tom_91]

Excellent! Thank you. I have plastic trim removal tools, just need a torx screwdriver and I should be set

 

[JACUPRA280]

Excellent! Thank you. I have plastic trim removal tools, just need a torx screwdriver and I should be set

No problem! The guides worked well for me - I have soundproofed both front door cards and the rear wheel arches. It's much quieter now and it solved my rattle issues, I'm guessing that's why you want to remove the door cards?

Just take your time with removing the plastic covers that hide the screws - they both have two flimsy plastic clips that snap easily. I snapped one on the door handle plastic cover but the good news is that it functions fine with the one clip.

If you get stuck give me a PM as I've removed the cards a few times now to improve my soundproofing job. One last thing - have a stool or a bucket nearby to rest the doorcard on; this comes in really handy when you are unclipping the cables.

 

[Tom_91]

Yeh that's exactly right. I have annoying rattles from both doors when going over only slightly bumpy road surfaces. It's been to the dealer a few times and although it seems better for a while it always comes back. I've isolated it to the central panel of the door cards, the bit just below the LED strip. If I push on the panel, no noise! Hopefully some soundproofing will help. Is there any particular material or method you would recommend?

 

[JACUPRA280]

Yeh that's exactly right. I have annoying rattles from both doors when going over only slightly bumpy road surfaces. It's been to the dealer a few times and although it seems better for a while it always comes back. I've isolated it to the central panel of the door cards, the bit just below the LED strip. If I push on the panel, no noise! Hopefully some soundproofing will help. Is there any particular material or method you would recommend?

Yes, you need:

1.Silent Coat 2mm damping mat - £14.99 for ten sheets (enough for both doors with plenty to spare):

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Silent-Coat-2mm-10-Sheets-Car-Deadening-Vibration-Sound-Proofing-Damping-Mat-/161282941044?nav=SEARCH

You stick this product on the inside of the door on anything that's metal. It stops the vibrations that cause 90% of rattles. I covered 70% of the surface but 50% coverage is fine for optimal results. You will need a pair of decent scissors to cut it but be careful not to run your finger across the edge because it gets sharp.

You can see this product in action here:

https://youtu.be/h1P4L7TwV9Q

2. Silent Coat Sound Absorber 15 - £44.99 for 4 large sheets (absolutely loads, plenty to do both rear doors as well if you have them or the wheel arches in the boot):

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Silent-Coat-Absorber-15mm-4-Sheet-Pack-Sound-Proofing-Deadening-Foam-Tiles-/161288391178?nav=SEARCH

This gets stuck onto the back of the door cards. I covered 90% of the doorcard and the more the better with this stuff.

These two products work together - the 2mm stuff stops vibrations and the 15mm foam kills exterior noise dead. Combined they eradicate rattles completely.

You will also need a pack of door clips, as you will end up breaking some of them when removing the door card. These are the clips you need and at £3.35 for 10, I recommend getting two packs:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-T5-DOOR-PANEL-CARD-TRIM-CLIPS-INTERIOR-TRANSPORTER-/400277527904?nav=SEARCH

 

[Gib83]

I've been wanting to do this to mine but don't think I have the courage to mess around taking the door cards off. It's been at the dealers a few times and while it's better than it was there's still some rattles coming from the doors.
Weirdly I've had other card with rattles in loads of places but never one where they have been confined to a particular part and been so common.

 

[Tom_91]

Yes, you need:



1.Silent Coat 2mm damping mat - £14.99 for ten sheets (enough for both doors with plenty to spare):



http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Silent-Co...Proofing-Damping-Mat-/161282941044?nav=SEARCH



You stick this product on the inside of the door on anything that's metal. It stops the vibrations that cause 90% of rattles. I covered 70% of the surface but 50% coverage is fine for optimal results. You will need a pair of decent scissors to cut it but be careful not to run your finger across the edge because it gets sharp.



You can see this product in action here:



https://youtu.be/h1P4L7TwV9Q



2. Silent Coat Sound Absorber 15 - £44.99 for 4 large sheets (absolutely loads, plenty to do both rear doors as well if you have them or the wheel arches in the boot):



http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Silent-Co...Deadening-Foam-Tiles-/161288391178?nav=SEARCH



This gets stuck onto the back of the door cards. I covered 90% of the doorcard and the more the better with this stuff.



These two products work together - the 2mm stuff stops vibrations and the 15mm foam kills exterior noise dead. Combined they eradicate rattles completely.



You will also need a pack of door clips, as you will end up breaking some of them when removing the door card. These are the clips you need and at £3.35 for 10, I recommend getting two packs:



http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-T5-DOO...INTERIOR-TRANSPORTER-/400277527904?nav=SEARCH

Excellent, thanks! One last question, did you cut out sections and stick them on or did you just cut holes out of a larger piece and stick it on as one?

 

[JMAC]

Might be of help:

http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=417184

 

[JACUPRA280]

Excellent, thanks! One last question, did you cut out sections and stick them on or did you just cut holes out of a larger piece and stick it on as one?

I cut out sections on the 2mm stuff, in chewing gum sized strips or larger, depending on where I was going to stick it.

For the 15mm stuff, I did the same. I applied both products extensively to ensure the best job.

 

[JACUPRA280]

I've been wanting to do this to mine but don't think I have the courage to mess around taking the door cards off. It's been at the dealers a few times and while it's better than it was there's still some rattles coming from the doors.
Weirdly I've had other card with rattles in loads of places but never one where they have been confined to a particular part and been so common.

It's a piece of piss to take them off mate, and there's no risk of damaging anything, except the clips which cost £3.35 for 10. If you use the two products I've listed above you will eradicate all of the door rattles. Job done

 

[Tom_91]

I cut out sections on the 2mm stuff, in chewing gum sized strips or larger, depending on where I was going to stick it.



For the 15mm stuff, I did the same. I applied both products extensively to ensure the best job.

Do you have a picture of the back of the door card by any chance? I found a picture on another thread of the proofing done to the metal but not the card itself.

 

[JACUPRA280]

Do you have a picture of the back of the door card by any chance? I found a picture on another thread of the proofing done to the metal but not the card itself.

I don't unfortunately, I would take my door card off now and take some but I don't have any spare clips going around. I basically stuck the foam on the back of the door card everywhere that didn't obscure a wire or a necessary hole for clips.

 

[Tom_91]

No problem. Are the clips only one use or are they just easily broken? I've only ordered 10 at the moment.

 

[JACUPRA280]

No problem. Are the clips only one use or are they just easily broken? I've only ordered 10 at the moment.

No, the clips can be used a few times, as long as they don't break.

You'll know if they're broken because the plastic ends will have larger gaps, instead of tight gaps (you'll know what I mean when you compare some of the old clips to your new ones).

Also, it's a good idea to have a pair of pliers in case any of the clips get stuck in the door.

Do you have any trim removal tools? I missed those out on my last post - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4pcs-Set-Car-Door-Audio-Trim-Interior-Panel-Dash-Installation-Removal-Pry-Tools-/271886172417?hash=item3f4dadc101 they are invaluable for pulling the doorcard away from the clips.

 

[Gib83]

It's a piece of piss to take them off mate, and there's no risk of damaging anything, except the clips which cost £3.35 for 10. If you use the two products I've listed above you will eradicate all of the door rattles. Job done

I know it's a bit cheeky but would you be willing to give me a hand doing mine? I'm looking at getting the bits as the rattles are spoiling an otherwise good car and I don't trust the dealers to fix them now after 4 visits. lol.

 

[JACUPRA280]

I know it's a bit cheeky but would you be willing to give me a hand doing mine? I'm looking at getting the bits as the rattles are spoiling an otherwise good car and I don't trust the dealers to fix them now after 4 visits. lol.

Sure mate, I'm away from tomorrow until the 7th so that will give you time to get the bits. Just PM me when you have them and I'll sort you out!