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How to replace a defender door latch - pictures

by: Auto Express team
27 Sep 2017
Go to: How to replace a Defender door latch
  • Step 1
    Removing the latch: Remove the internal door pull handle and door card screws, then gently prise the securing plugs free to release the card, exposing the door shell.
  • Step 2
    <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>
  • Step 3
    <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>
  • Step 4
    <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>
  • Step 5
    <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>
  • Step 6
    <span>Before releasing the door reinforcement panel, any central locking and electric window harness will need to be released from it.</span>
  • Step 7
    <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>
  • step 8
    <span>Remove all the fasteners except the lower front one, so the panel will hinge down, giving full access to the latch area.</span>
  • Step 9
    <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>
  • Step 10
    <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>
  • Step 11
    <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>
  • Step 12
    <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>
  • Step 13
    The rearmost window runner is released by removing two self-tapping screws fitted through the runner, to allow the latch to be manoeuvred out.
  • Step 14
    <span>The latch is held into the door casing by these three screws which should release easily using a quality driver bit.</span>
  • Step 15
    <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>
  • Step 16
    <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>
  • Step 17
    <span>The green clip (centre of pic) for the internal door handle rod needs to be transferred to the new latch before fitting.</span>
  • Step 18
    <span>Likewise, the control rod from the handle push-button lever to the latch needs to be transferred over to the new latch.</span>
  • Step 19
    <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>
  • Defender door latch replacement - 1

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