One bag covers most of a car. Here is what goes in it, and what to add for the bigger jobs. These are typical sizes, not a promise for every car: bring the range and the odd size is already with you.
Add SAE sockets, 1/4 to 3/4 inch, for older American cars and trucks.
Something to carry it out in: a wagon, or ask at the gate whether the yard has carts.
Most pull-your-own yards do not allow torches, grinders or other cutting and spark-making tools, and many do not allow jacks, because the cars already sit on stands. Some allow battery impact tools and some do not. Check the yard’s own rules before you go.
Clips break. Pry at the clip, not the middle of the panel, and a spare handful from the same car costs nothing.
For: Door panel, Ashtray, Cup holder, Dash cup holder, Dash vent, Sun visor, Rear view mirror, Speaker grille, Plastic trim, Trim panel, Console lid, Glove box door, Dash bezel, Radio bezel, Shifter bezel, Glove box, Armrest, Center console, Overhead console, Shifter, Door handle, Dome light.
For: Climate control, Climate control w/ radio, Radio, Radio with CD, Instrument cluster, Blower motor.
For: Master window switch, Window switch, Switch, single, Power lock switch, Fog light switch, 4x4 switch, Mirror switch, Headlight switch, Seat switch.
The steering wheel carries the driver’s airbag. If the yard has not taken it out, leave it alone: an airbag can go off when it is disturbed.
For: Steering wheel, Steering column, Turn signal switch, Ignition switch, Cruise switch.
For: Window motor, Door lock actuator, Door glass, Speaker.
Front seats and belts can carry side airbags and belt pretensioners. Leave any yellow connector alone if the yard has not made the car safe, and bring a second pair of hands for a seat.
For: Front seat, Rear seat, Seat belt.
For: Headlight assembly, Tail light, 3rd brake light, Fog light, Grille, Mirror cover, Mirror, power, Mirror, manual, Mirror glass.
Hood, hatch and tailgate struts hold the panel up under load. Support the panel before you take a strut off, and bring a helper for anything you cannot hold with one arm.
For: Hood, Fender, Door shell, Front bumper cover, Rear bumper cover, Tailgate, Liftgate / hatch, Trunk lid.
A lot of quarter glass is glued in rather than bolted. It comes out slowly, and it breaks if it is forced.
For: Quarter glass.
For: Engine computer (ECU), Fuse box, Mass air flow sensor, Ignition coil, Horn, Wiper motor.
Yards normally have the refrigerant taken out before a car goes on the lot. If a line hisses when you loosen it, stop and tell the counter.
For: Alternator, Starter, A/C compressor, Power steering pump.
For: Radiator, Radiator fan, Air intake, Throttle body.
A transfer case is heavy and comes down from under a truck that is sitting on stands. Bring a helper, and ask the yard how it wants one lowered.
For: CV axle, Wheel hub / bearing, Transfer case.
For: Alloy wheel, Steel wheel, Hubcap.
Put parts on your pull list and it says which of these to pack. Pick a car · Every part