Blend door actuator install

PCULQUI

MEMBER
1999 BUICK REGAL
3.8L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
124,000 MILES

Trying to install the actuator. The screw on the left, I can get to easily. The second screw next to the harness plug is a pain to get to because of all the hoses and cables that are in the way. Is there a trick to this? Or can I go thru the front by taking the climate control unit out again and Sticking my hand thru that open space to the actuator.

3 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Hi,

Unfortunately, there are no tricks that are well known. If removing it will help you then I would do it. Here is the procedure and it does not have you remove that but again, if you think it would be easier then I would just do it. Unfortunately the tricks that I have found that work the best when doing these types of repairs is to find tools that allow you to get in areas that you hand will just not fit. Whether it is an extension or a flexible extension so you can get a bit on it and then turn it from a better angle.

Sorry I don't have a magic bullet for you.

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Tuesday, October 1st, 2019 AT 5:13 PM

PCULQUI

MEMBER
354 POSTS

Yes, the diagram is for the passenger side actuator. That's the easy one. The driver's side is nearly impossible to get to. It's by the gas pedal and up to the right behind a jungle of cables and hoses and harnesses. Nothing fits in there, no wrenches, screwdrivers and even mini ratchets. I managed by some miracle to take it out but now I can't install the new one I bought back.

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Tuesday, October 1st, 2019 AT 5:46 PM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

I totally understand. A tool that I came across that seems to bail me out when I am in that position is the one shown in this video. Clearly I don't endorse this specific one but it just illustrates how it works. There are many other brands but they all function the same.

All you would need to do is be able to get the bit up to the screw and then get your hand close to it just to how it in place. Then you can bend it down out of the way where you have more space and are able to spin it.

https://youtu.be/cbteE7ASp3w

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Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019 AT 7:31 PM