Door Handles keep breaking

Take the latch out and clean it. Seal the door back up when you’re done as well. A dry lube is best so dust doesn’t accumulate in the moving bits.

 

Well...I posted about a year ago i needed to replace a handle. I ended up using OEM toyota and it has done great. Now its time for the other side.

 

These bad boys are back in stock. Didn’t want to jinx my order until it was delivered. I’m out of town but wife confirmed it was dropped off.

T1A Metal Upgrade Left Driver and Right Passenger Side Black Exterior Door Handle Pair Replacement for 1995-2004 Tacoma 69220-35020 69210-35020 Metal

$65 Exterior Front Driver & Passenger Door Handle Set, Upgraded Metal, Compatible with 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma - Textured Black - 69220-35020, 69210-35020, 79345, 91318, 79344, 91319, TO1311117, TO131011

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YQBPHS9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_EM32H3BRPHG7MKXKSRYN

 

Sun damage is not good for plastic. Using cheap handles will amplify that. Although if it makes you feel better, I had to replace the door handle on my 2008 Canyon after it broke from gently being opened one day. It's not unique to Toyota. But always go OEM or better.

 

Just received mine today. I came looking for a review but I guess we'll have to wait and see. I expect these to outlast the plastic ones. I also expect the paint to wear off of them, which may be why they are available in chrome, as well as why they weren't metal to begin with.

 

The plastic ones are utter carp. I bought a pair because the metal ones were not in stock for a while. I plan on keeping the plastic ones on a for short while and swap out with metal ones.

 

I haven’t gotten mine installed yet but I will in the next week. Driver’s side is on its last leg ATM. Passenger feels 100% but rarely gets used. The biggest difference besides the metal handle is the hook that pushed down on the stamped mechanism that the rod attaches to. I ordered maybe 4 driver’s side setups and this was the biggest issue amongst all of them. I eve tried to shape and re-enforce one with 2part epoxy but it didn’t help.

Removing the entire locking assembly and throughly cleaning is the best thing to keeping the plastic handles going. Clean all the dirt, oil, and grease off and reinstall dry. The dust and dirt sticks to the moving bits and causes it to bind up.

 

I did the driver's handle this afternoon. Removed the latch and gave it a good cleaning, compressed air dried it, and remounted it dry. Installed the new metal handle and buttoned it all up. Latches and opens like a new truck....for now.

 

Look for the Trubuilt 1 Metal Upgrade handles -

$65 Exterior Front Driver & Passenger Door Handle Set, Upgraded Metal, Compatible with 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma - Textured Black - 69220-35020, 69210-35020, 79345, 91318, 79344, 91319, TO1311117, TO131011

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YQBPHS9?th=1

 

I orders the TRQ Chrome metal handles and they are getting delivered soon. Those are also an option if you want the oem look

$72 TRQ Metal Exterior Door Handle Set Chrome & Black LH RH Sides for 95-04 Toyota Tacoma Pickup Truck

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HT9TL7M

 

Got these, couldn't be happier. Far superior to doorman or even stock handles

 

Can anyone shine a light on why the inside bar keeps coming off the INSIDE door handle?

 

There are two little plastic tabs for each handle, one for the lever action and the other for the lock. The plastic tabs have a C shape that presses onto the bars and hold the bars into place. I would check to make sure those did not come off. Sorry, don't have a pic.

 

Ive replaced the swivel Cclip. Unfortunately it keeps coming undone.
Feels like I’m taking crazy’s pills!

maybe a crooked bar?

 

very possible. I had to manipulate mine a bit to get the handles to work smooth. IIRC I had to pull on the bars toward the interior of the truck. Got the best results with some gently movements using the bent end of a crowbar. But once I got them bent to where they need to be it's been a one finger reliable operation since.

 

A small Ty wrap will help a with weak c-clip.

 

ha!
It worked!