How to replace a defender door latch - pictures

<span><span>Remove the plastic condensation barrier, then lower the window glass and ease the two clamp bolts (5/16 AF) to release the glass from the regulator.</span></span>

<span><span>The glass can now be lifted up and secured using adhesive tape over the top of the frame (use paper to protect the paintwork).</span></span>

<span><span>Release the door lock motor link (if fitted) from the latch. This one is a crude aftermarket fitment – normally there is a clip to release.</span></span>

<span>On top of the latch, push the green clip down to release the internal handle rod. Operate the handle and the link will pop free.</span>

<span>Before releasing the door reinforcement panel, any central locking and electric window harness will need to be released from it.</span>

<span><span>The door reinforcement panel can be detached after removing the six securing bolts as well as one nut at the front edge.</span></span>

<span>Remove all the fasteners except the lower front one, so the panel will hinge down, giving full access to the latch area.</span>

<span><span>Remove the two screws that hold the internal lock button assembly, and carefully unclip it from the door casing (it’s a bit delicate).</span></span>

<span>Turn the lock button and rod through 90 degrees to disengage the rod from the latch, noting the small bush in the link hole.</span>

<span>Disconnect the control rod from the exterior handle’s lock lever by releasing the clip, then turn through 90 degrees to disengage from the latch.</span>

<span>The vertical rod connecting the external handle’s push-button to the latch can now be unclipped at the handle, leaving it attached to the latch.</span>

The rearmost window runner is released by removing two self-tapping screws fitted through the runner, to allow the latch to be manoeuvred out.

<span>The latch is held into the door casing by these three screws which should release easily using a quality driver bit.</span>

<span>The latch needs to be turned through 90 degrees to work it around the window runner, and it can then be withdrawn sideways.</span>

<span>Fitting the new latch: The new latch is a straight forward replacement, but first, a couple of parts need to be transferred from the old latch.</span>

<span>The green clip (centre of pic) for the internal door handle rod needs to be transferred to the new latch before fitting.</span>

<span>Likewise, the control rod from the handle push-button lever to the latch needs to be transferred over to the new latch.</span>

<span>Fit the latch and add the external handle release rod first, adjusting its length if needed, then connect the remaining links, and reassemble.</span>