If you’re looking to replace the leather on your Lexus door handle, you’ll need to carefully remove the old leather first. This is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to take your time and follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging the door handle or the new leather.
To get started, you’ll need a few tools: a small screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and a sharp knife. First, use the screwdriver to remove the small screws that hold the leather in place. Then, carefully pry the leather away from the door handle using the pliers. Finally, use the knife to cut the old leather away from the door handle. Once the old leather is removed, you can install the new leather by following the same steps in reverse.
Here are a few tips for removing Lexus door handle leather:
- Be careful not to damage the door handle or the new leather.
- Take your time and follow the steps carefully.
- If you’re not sure how to do something, consult a professional.
Disassembling the Door Panel
Before you can remove the leather door handle on your Lexus, you need to disassemble the door panel. This is a relatively simple process, but it does require some patience and care. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Remove the door panel screws. There are usually two or three screws located around the perimeter of the door panel. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove them.
- Pry the door panel away from the door. Once the screws are removed, you can start to pry the door panel away from the door. Be careful not to damage the panel or the door.
- Disconnect the electrical connectors. Once the door panel is loose, you need to disconnect the electrical connectors. These connectors are usually located behind the door panel.
| Screw Location | Number of Screws |
|---|---|
| Door Handle | 2 |
| Door Armrest | 1 |
| Door Panel Bottom | 2 |
Once the electrical connectors are disconnected, you can remove the door panel completely. Be careful not to drop the panel, as it can be heavy.
Now that the door panel is removed, you can access the door handle. The next step is to remove the leather cover from the door handle.
Removing the Screws and Clips
Once you have identified the location of the screws and clips, you need to remove them carefully to avoid damaging them or the door handle. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:
Using a Screwdriver
Locate the screws securing the door handle to the door panel. Usually, there are two screws, one on the top and one on the bottom. Using a Phillips head screwdriver, carefully unscrew the screws and set them aside in a safe place.
Removing the Clips
Identifying the type of clip holding the handle in place is crucial. There are typically several clips, often a combination of push-in and snap-out styles. Here’s how to remove them:
| Clip Type | Removal Method |
|---|---|
| Push-in Clip | Insert a flathead screwdriver or trim removal tool into the slot provided and gently pry upward to release the clip. |
| Snap-out Clip | Locate the small tabs on the clip and gently use a screwdriver or trim removal tool to pry them outward. Once the tabs are released, the clip will pop out. |
Repeat this process for all the clips securing the handle to the door panel until the handle is loose and can be easily removed.
Detaching the Leather Cover
To begin, locate the two screws that secure the leather cover to the handle assembly. These screws are typically hidden under small plastic caps or plugs. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws.
Once the screws have been removed, carefully pry the leather cover loose from the handle assembly using a plastic trim removal tool or a flathead screwdriver wrapped in masking tape to avoid scratching the surface. Be gentle, as the leather cover may be delicate.
After the leather cover is detached, remove the two plastic clips that hold the leather in place on the door panel. Use a small flathead screwdriver or a trim removal tool to gently pry the clips loose. Once the clips are removed, the leather cover can be lifted off of the door panel.
| Step | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Remove the screws securing the leather cover. | Phillips head screwdriver |
| 2 | Pry the leather cover loose from the handle assembly. | Plastic trim removal tool or flathead screwdriver |
| 3 | Remove the plastic clips holding the leather cover. | Small flathead screwdriver or trim removal tool |
Cleaning the Surface
To remove the Lexus door handle leather, you will need to clean the surface first. This will help you to remove any dirt or debris that may be on the surface and prevent it from getting into the interior of the door handle. To clean the surface, follow these steps:
- Use a soft cloth or brush to gently remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the door handle.
- Apply a mild soap and water solution to the surface of the door handle and rub it in gently with a soft cloth.
- Rinse the surface of the door handle with clean water and dry it with a clean cloth.
- Use a leather cleaner to clean the surface of the door handle and protect it from damage.
Here are some additional tips for cleaning the surface of the Lexus door handle:
- Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on the surface of the door handle, as these can damage the leather.
- If the door handle is very dirty, you may need to use a stronger cleaner, such as a degreaser. However, be sure to test the cleaner on a small area of the door handle first to make sure it does not damage the leather.
- Once you have cleaned the surface of the door handle, be sure to dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth to prevent water damage.
| Tools |
|---|
| Soft cloth or brush |
| Mild soap and water solution |
| Clean water |
| Leather cleaner |
Preparing the Adhesive
The type of adhesive you use will depend on the material of your door handle. For most leather door handles, a contact adhesive like 3M Super 77 or Gorilla Super Glue will work well. These adhesives create a strong bond between two surfaces when they are pressed together.
Before you apply the adhesive, it is important to prepare the surfaces to ensure a good bond. Clean both surfaces with rubbing alcohol or a degreaser to remove any dirt or oil. Then, rough up the surfaces with sandpaper or a scouring pad to create a better surface for the adhesive to adhere to.
Once the surfaces are clean and prepared, you can apply the adhesive. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific adhesive you are using. Generally, you will need to apply a thin layer of adhesive to both surfaces and then press them together firmly. Allow the adhesive to cure completely before using the door handle.
| Brand | Product | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 3M | Super 77 | Contact adhesive specifically designed for bonding leather and other flexible materials |
| Gorilla | Super Glue | Cyanoacrylate adhesive that forms a strong bond on a variety of materials, including leather |
| Loctite | Super Glue Ultra Control | Gel-based cyanoacrylate adhesive that provides precise application and bonding strength on leather surfaces |
Applying the Leather Cover
1. Start by cleaning the door handle area with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Make sure the keyhole is facing you.
3. Lift the handle upward gently, pulling it off the door. You may need to use your fingers or a small flathead screwdriver.
4. Use a screwdriver to open the plastic cover, which is usually held by two small screws.
5. Carefully remove the old leather cover.
6. The key to applying the new leather cover is to ensure a snug fit that will not slip or move during use. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through this process:
a. Carefully slide the old leather cover off the handle while simultaneously stretching the new cover slightly over the handle.
b. Rotate the handle while stretching the cover to ensure proper alignment and an even fit on all sides.
c. Fold the loose leather behind the handle and use a sharp object, such as a screwdriver or similar tool, to tuck the folded leather securely into the groove on the handle’s underside.
d. Ensure the tucked leather is evenly distributed and tight against the handle to prevent any slipping.
7. Replace the plastic cover securely using the two screws.
8. Finally, slide the handle back onto the door, ensuring it fits properly and operates smoothly.
Securing the Screws and Clips
Once the door handle is removed, you will need to secure the screws and clips that were holding it in place. This will prevent them from getting lost or falling out.
To secure the screws, you can use a screwdriver or a pair of pliers. Simply tighten the screws until they are snug.
To secure the clips, you can use a pair of pliers or a small flathead screwdriver. Simply push the clips back into place until they snap.
Screws and Clips Table
| Screw Size | Clip Type |
|---|---|
| M4 x 16mm | Push-in clip |
| M5 x 20mm | Screw-in clip |
Once the screws and clips are secured, you can reassemble the door handle and reinstall it on the door.
Reattaching the Door Panel
Before fully reattaching the door panel, double-check the alignment and functionality of all components, including the door handle, window switches, and mirror controls. Once satisfied, proceed with the reinstallation process.
Step 8: Clip and Screw the Door Panel
a) Carefully lift the door panel towards the door frame to align the clips with their corresponding slots. Apply gentle pressure to snap the panel into place.
b) Locate and secure the screws that hold the door panel to the door frame. Tighten them using the appropriate screwdriver until they are snug.
Step 9: Reconnect the Electrical Connectors
a) Identify the electrical connectors for the door handle, window switches, and mirror controls.
b) Carefully align the connectors and press them together until they click into place.
Step 10: Install the Screws and Trim
a) Locate the screws that secure the door handle trim. Tighten them securely.
b) Reinstall any trim pieces removed during the disassembly process, ensuring they fit snugly and are not loose.
Testing the Door Handle
To check if the door handle leather is loose or damaged, perform the following steps:
- Open the door and inspect the handle for any visible signs of damage, such as tears, cuts, or loose stitching.
- Gently pull on the handle to see if it feels loose or wobbly.
- Try to wiggle the handle back and forth to see if it moves excessively.
- Close the door and check if the handle returns to its original position without any resistance.
- Repeat the process on the other door handles to compare their condition.
- If you notice any abnormalities or signs of damage, it may be necessary to remove the leather for inspection or replacement.
Identifying Loose Leather
In certain cases, the leather may not be noticeably loose or damaged but could still benefit from removal and reattachment. To identify loose leather, follow these steps:
- Gently press down on the leather around the edges of the handle.
- If the leather sinks or indents, it may be loose and require attention.
- Compare the feel of the leather on the loose handle to that on the handle in good condition.
| Leather Condition | Description | Action |
|—|—|—|
| Tight | Does not sink or indent | No action needed |
| Loose | Sinks or indents | May need reattachment or replacement |
How to Remove Lexus Door Handle Leather
Replacing or reupholstering the leather on your Lexus door handle is a straightforward task that can be completed in a matter of minutes. With a few simple tools, you can easily remove the old leather and install a new one, giving your door handle a fresh and updated look.
Here are the steps on how to remove Lexus door handle leather:
- Gather your materials. You will need a small flathead screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and a new piece of leather.
- Remove the door panel. To remove the door panel, you will need to remove the screws that are located around the edges of the panel. Once the screws are removed, you can gently pull the panel away from the door.
- Remove the door handle. The door handle is held in place by two screws. Remove the screws and pull the door handle straight out of the door panel.
- Remove the old leather. The old leather is held in place by a series of clips. Use the small flathead screwdriver to gently pry the clips loose. Once the clips are loose, you can remove the old leather.
- Install the new leather. Align the new leather with the door handle and press it into place. The clips will snap into place, securing the leather to the door handle.
- Reinstall the door handle. Insert the door handle back into the door panel and tighten the two screws.
- Reinstall the door panel. Align the door panel with the door and push it into place. Tighten the screws around the edges of the panel.
People also ask about How To Remove Lexus Door Handle Leather
How do I clean the leather on my Lexus door handle?
You can clean the leather on your Lexus door handle with a mild soap and water solution. Use a soft cloth to apply the solution and wipe the leather clean. Be sure to dry the leather thoroughly with a clean cloth.
How do I repair a torn leather door handle?
If the leather on your Lexus door handle is torn, you can repair it with a leather repair kit. These kits typically include a piece of leather, a patch, and adhesive. Follow the instructions in the kit to repair the torn leather.
How do I replace the leather on my Lexus door handle?
You can replace the leather on your Lexus door handle by following the steps outlined in the article above.
