Dodge Durango

 Service Manual

Body » Body component service » Service procedures
Heat staking

(1) Remove trim panel.

(2) Bend or move the trim panel components at the heat staked joints. Observe the heat staked locations and/or component seams for looseness.

(3) Heat stake the components.

(a) If the heat staked or component seam location is loose, hold the two components tightly together and using a soldering gun with a flat tip, melt the material securing the components together. Do not over heat the affected area, damage to the exterior of the trim panel may occur.

(b) If the heat staked material is broken or missing, use a hot glue gun to apply new material to the area to be repaired. The panels that are being heat staked must be held together while the applying the glue. Once the new material is in place, it may be necessary to use a soldering gun to melt the newly applied material. Do not over heat the affected area, damage to the exterior of the trim panel may occur.

(4) Allow the repaired area to cool and verify the repair.

(5) Install trim panel.

Body lubrication

Heat staking