Hey ClubLexus, looking for some advice, on a simple, yet irritating problem. I've got a CPO 2014 GX460 Luxury that I bought a couple years ago, and the driver's side door panel creeks when I put elbow on the windowsill area. I took the door panel off, and it appears the creak is due to a P/O having the door panel removed for some reason and one of the tabs broke. Again, in the grand scheme of thing this is such a small issue, but it irritates me to no end as it compromises the "build quality" and feeling of solidity. So my question is if there is a place where I can buy an OEM door panel without spending an exorbitant amount? I don't need any of the hardware, the drivers side door and window controls, or anything else. Simply the panel itself. Any thoughts or resources to price something like this out? Thanks in advance for your help.
Which tab that you are referring is broken? The door panel has really two parts, very top a thin strip which contains weather strip for window glass can be remove and replaced separately rather than the whole panel, if the broken piece associated with that. That piece shouldn’t be very expensive. A picture maybe better to identify. Junkyard would be your next option if the main panel needs to be replaced. Finding matching color would be challenging.
It's one of the tabs on the whole panel, not the weather stripping unfortunately. I don't mind buying a brand new replacement if the cost is reasonable.
Honestly, it's my most disappointing aspect of this car. I had an 05 V8 4runner before this, and honestly I think the lexus creaks/rattles more. Though, that may be just because it's otherwise much quieter so I hear everything. Anyways, anyone have any insights on the door panel replacement, in case the sound deadening doesn't work? Because, honestly the tab I circled above is broken, and that's exactly where I rest my elbow and it creaks....
Honestly, it's my most disappointing aspect of this car. I had an 05 V8 4runner before this, and honestly I think the lexus creaks/rattles more. Though, that may be just because it's otherwise much quieter so I hear everything. Anyways, anyone have any insights on the door panel replacement, in case the sound deadening doesn't work? Because, honestly the tab I circled above is broken, and that's exactly where I rest my elbow and it creaks....
You could try to find the tab and plastic (parts store or salvage yard) and fuse it in to place with jb weld or automotive goop, you'd be surprised how robust that stuff is if used per directions and allowed to set up correctly. I used some automotive goop to stop the tapping sound the right rear inner fender liner was making at highway speed over a year ago and its still rock solid.
The other option would be during the sound deadening use generous amounts of the black stripping and then press down on that section of the panel after installed. I would bet (if enough material) it would make a direct contact flexible bond.
^^ That video is how I figured out how to take the door off in the first place! JB Weld is a good idea. I'll give that a shot when I've got time to let it sit off and cure for a few hours before putting it back on.
