07-02-2005, 09:48 PM
I've removed and replaced 968 door handles before, and getting the "actuator" arm plastic clip to snap onto the ball joint is a real PITA since it is well hidden inside the door and most of it has to be completed blind.
Well, I decided to remove the DS handle today to replace the chrome rosette finisher around the door lock. Came a cross a very good article with photos on the web (Rennlist actually) and decided to try the method that author used to detach the actuator from the handle at the hinge point on the handle to avoid the "inside the door R&R). Basically, this method involves drifting out the 2mm hinge pin at the handle.
Getting the door handle out, etc was easy - then tried driving the hinge pin out with a drift. A few good "hits" and very little budging. However, I did notice the handle did not go back in as easily as before. hmmm, another close look and .... oh no $*#&^$*&@*% - the hinge posts snapped off the handle! <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/blink.gif" class="smilie" alt="" /> The pot metal handle cannot take the "hits" - there's just too much impact stress on the metal standoffs and the single post fractured!!! There's no way to repair that broken piece now - will have to buy a new handle, get it painted, and then take the door apart to get the actuator hooked up properly per the factory procedure. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/sad.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />
Oh well, was off to order parts anyway. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/biggrin.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />
Well, I decided to remove the DS handle today to replace the chrome rosette finisher around the door lock. Came a cross a very good article with photos on the web (Rennlist actually) and decided to try the method that author used to detach the actuator from the handle at the hinge point on the handle to avoid the "inside the door R&R). Basically, this method involves drifting out the 2mm hinge pin at the handle.
Getting the door handle out, etc was easy - then tried driving the hinge pin out with a drift. A few good "hits" and very little budging. However, I did notice the handle did not go back in as easily as before. hmmm, another close look and .... oh no $*#&^$*&@*% - the hinge posts snapped off the handle! <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/blink.gif" class="smilie" alt="" /> The pot metal handle cannot take the "hits" - there's just too much impact stress on the metal standoffs and the single post fractured!!! There's no way to repair that broken piece now - will have to buy a new handle, get it painted, and then take the door apart to get the actuator hooked up properly per the factory procedure. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/sad.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />
Oh well, was off to order parts anyway. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/biggrin.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />
(This post was last modified: 07-02-2005, 09:49 PM by 968 Cab.)
