Auto Glass: Auto Glass in rear latch, household vac hose, stations air hose

Question
Hello Derek:

I recently bought a 97 Subaru Legacy Outback and discovered the rear hatch door won't open.  I took off the inside panel to have a look and noticed a lot of broken glass inside the door.  I believe there is broken glass inside the mechanism that opens the rear door, because the linkages all appear fine, but I can hear glass grinding if I force it.  I have tried vacuuming any loose glass out, and prying the latch up manually, but it will not come out.  Is there a way to get any loose glass out without disassembling the entire thing?  Any help would be much appreciated.  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Tyler,



        To get all the glass out of the narrow doors today we always have to tap on the outer edge of the doors with plastic handled tools and use smaller hoses than come with the shop vacs like pool filter hose or a household vac hose. When all else fails you might have to ask to use a gas stations air hose to blow it out, but have some eye protection on when trying this. Open door and make sure all glass is out and put back together. Hope this Helps! Stay Safe! Derek :}