Door Handle

Hey guys.

I have a '99...replaced a broken outside driver side door handle less than a year ago and it is broke again. It is a cheap plastic handle. I was wondering if anyone has ever found a metal replacement handle.

Thanks

 

I really don't think there is any. I looked and looked. Ive replaced my handles a couple times now. And one feels like it's gonna break soon again. I think our only option is to go oem. Not sure how much they are haven't looked yet. But they're probly stupid expensive. I'm thinking about getting more aftermarket replacements and coating the little arm that breaks on them with jb weld or something. Help reinforce it a bit. I'm not sure if it'll work but I'll give it a shot.

 

Lube, lube, lube! open your door panel and find all the hinging components and make sure they're cleaned and lubed properly. And if it's still breaking, stop opening the door so damn hard!

 

I am on handle #3. If you locate a source/brand where the handles seem to work better, buy a couple and make note of where you bought them from in case you need to source more. Or you can rummage around local junk yards and buy OEM handles.

 

Yeah I keep forgetting to do this. Hard to clean the locking mechanism though. Lubing it once in a while helps. But living in a dusty area, it tends to gunk up a bit. I think when I replace mine I'm gonna try and take that whole latching mechanism out and clean it and grease it. It looked like a bitch to get to so I didn't mess with it last time I looked in there. Maybe I'll just spray the crap out of it with some kinda cleaner while it's attached still, through the latch. Then spray some lube in there. Does anyone know if that latching piece actually comes out? Before I tear it down to see..

 

you can use electronics cleaner to safely clean the hard to reach spots without worrying about damaging plastic. make sure you don't hit fabrics and keep it well ventilated. brake cleaner and maybe even carb cleaner will melt plastic. from there you either just use a q-tip to spread bearing/general purpose grease everywhere you can, or spray it with dry graphite lubricant. grease is the better option since it has body and helps keep dust away.