How to Replace the Rear Door Panel on a 2005 Jeep Liberty

In the 2001 model year, Jeep released the Liberty as the replacement for the aging yet popular Cherokee. Making the transition more difficult was that the Cherokee had a 17-year-long history of loyal owners. The 2005 Liberty came standard with a 150-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2005 Jeep Liberty only came in a four-door configuration and borrowed minor styling points from the Wrangler. Replacing the door panels on the 2005 Libertys rear doors is a straightforward process most do-it-yourself mechanics can complete.

Instructions

Removal

1

Pry the screw cover from the inside door handle bezel, the trim panel behind the inside door handle, using a small flat-head screwdriver. Remove the inside door handle screw using a Phillips screwdriver.

2

Look inside the pull handle -- the handle you pull to close the door -- and find the screw inside of it. Remove this screw with a Phillips screwdriver.

3

Pry around the perimeter of the door panel using a trim stick to disengage its five retaining clips.

4

Pull the panel far enough from the door to access the door handle actuator rod. Pull the actuator rod -- the metal rod running from the door to the inside door handle -- downward from the inner door handle to remove it.

5

Lift the door panel slightly to clear the door lock knob, and remove the door panel.

Installation

6

Align the door lock knob with its hole in the top of the door panel and press the panel downward to seat it in place. Press the actuator rod into its hole in the inside door handle.

7

Line up the five retaining clips on the rear of the door panel with their holes in the door. Firmly press the door panel toward the door to engage the retaining clips.

8

Tighten the two retaining screws one in the inside door handle bezel and one in the pull cup with a Phillips screwdriver. Press the circular screw cover into place over the screw in the inside door handle bezel.