Rear glass hinge replacement help?

PANTERATEAMA

MEMBER
2005 HYUNDAI TUCSON
V6
AWD
AUTOMATIC
180,000 MILES

I am trying to replace the hinges for the rear glass panel on the 05 tucson. There is a machine screw holding the hinge to the glass and that is simple but to get to the bolt/machine screw holding the hinge to the body (hatch), there is a plastic panel on the inside of the hatch that needs to be removed. The problem is that I can not find an access point for any screws that hold this plastic trim/panel in place and I am afraid to pry on it because I dont want to break it. Is there any help on how to remove this moulding?

I have searched high an low online for repair instructions or a service manual but there are none to be found unless I buy the 200$ OEM service manual from the dealer. I would pay to have them install the hinges for that price.

Thanks!

2 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,871 POSTS

Look for how that panel would go together the fastest on the assembly line. Usually that's with push-clips. Its easy to pop them out without damaging the panel where those clips attach, but that's not real important to the people who design them. Often those clips will come off the panel, then, once the panel is out of the way, you can pry the clips out and reinstall them on the panel.