Door Damper

[billsinc]

Got the inner door panel off the inside of the door, got pics but don't know how to post them on here.

The damper pin connection at the door came out and the damper has retracted into the door. I took the panel off expecting to be able to retrieve it but I can't get to it as the door metal structure covers it.

Anyone know what I can do?

[nezerr]

could try an old metal coat hanger?

[billsinc]

problem with the hanger is that the tension on the damper is too strong and the hanger would bend, but thanks for the idea.

[nezerr]

The damper shouldn’t be spring-loaded? But I’ve never had the door off an Avensis. Most door dampers just hang loose?

[billsinc]

It was left hanginng out, so I tried to pull it further to reach the door again with plyers, but at that vital moment, just when I was putting the pin in, it sprung back and went right into the door. It was fairly stiff when I was pulling it, so I assumed it's spring loaded - but I could be wrong.

[billsinc]

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/gallery/Misc/Avens_04

You see my dilema, how do I get that damper?

The pictures are on the TOC gallery at these links

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/gallery/Misc/Avens_02

[wantasupra]

If you have a really long, thin arm, you may be able to get to it. Most probably not tough as I can't, and I do have thin arms! The only way of getting to the door check strap from there is to drill the rivets out of the speaker and then push the strap back through. Then you need to rivet the speaker back into place.