X5 Door Handle Carrier Removal and Replacement DIY - Page 5

SunnyDaze · #41 05-02-2019, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

Use impact to loosen the actuator. If stripped somebody probably used hex not torx to attempt removal or greatly over tightened. You can replace with some normal 10.9 bolts v. Torx just make sure the head clears.

We use window anti-frost spray on the door seal whenever it's wet out and transitions from wet to freezing.

Only thing that will prevent the door handle from freezing is the actuator fix from my thread. You might be able to install the teflon pad from the inside without removing on the front door.

It's at least five times easier to remove the DHC on the back with actuator removed so do that even if you have to cut slots in the bolts and use a large flat screwdriver.

I'll be pulling the actuators to do your fix. At least the front two. I may just purchase new units from FCP or another source instead of freshening mine up. I've got a long enough list of stuff that I have to repair / restore. Actuators aren't making it on that list.

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andrewwynn · #42 05-02-2019, 11:35 AM

New actuators will have the same design flaw. Actuators are stupid expensive but if the electric lock still works no repair needed other than any time you have a door open add some Teflon or nylon pad under that unlock lever and grease it up so it won't freeze solid.

I had to replace 4 of 4 lock motors on wife's car and now my right front is getting unreliable so I'm about to buy a batch of the motors to replace my right front actuator motor.

Takes about an hour to refurbish an actuator for $6 vs replace for $230 ($150 china copy). That's just crazy talk.

The actuator will function fine for a while with two bolts so you can take out one at a time in case one breaks or strips so bad you have to cut off the head etc.

SunnyDaze · #43 05-02-2019, 03:01 PM

New actuators are $70 each on FCP Euro. I've had luck with what I've purchased from them thus far.

andrewwynn · #44 05-02-2019, 03:54 PM

You mean DHC? The door actuator is $204 at FCP.

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SunnyDaze · #45 05-02-2019, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

You mean DHC? The door actuator is $204 at FCP.

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You're right. It was still set to 325 on my browser!

TiminIndy · #46 02-10-2020, 11:25 PM

Important correction from above if you are removing the lock mechanism from the rear door: The 3 bolts holding it in place are T-30 torx, not T-25.

For someone who is skilled on DIY vids, a good video on the rear door would be nice - there are some differences. If you are planning to do this, I would just plan on dropping the lock mechanism down. There is a myth that you can get the DHC out without doing this. I wasted over an hour trying, then dropped the lock mechanism and it came right out.

I tried my luck with an aftermarket DHC this time. I was able to get it on there and it is working, but it isn't lining up properly.

andrewwynn · #47 02-11-2020, 01:50 AM

Usual not lining up properly is from the little plastic spacer for the handle screw being in the wrong place. On the back door also there is a bit tighter space in the corner so you need to usually just wiggle the DHC in all three axis until you get it to land properly. It is usually not a case of mfg difference, but just not aligned properly.

Oh: on aftermarket DHC I have had the spring end being too long so I had to cut it off with right angle grinder.

semcoinc · #48 02-11-2020, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiminIndy

Important correction from above if you are removing the lock mechanism from the rear door: The 3 bolts holding it in place are T-30 torx, not T-25.

For someone who is skilled on DIY vids, a good video on the rear door would be nice - there are some differences. If you are planning to do this, I would just plan on dropping the lock mechanism down. There is a myth that you can get the DHC out without doing this. I wasted over an hour trying, then dropped the lock mechanism and it came right out.

I tried my luck with an aftermarket DHC this time. I was able to get it on there and it is working, but it isn't lining up properly.

I have been successful with 2 out of three aftermarket DHCs. At the price delta, personally I'm OK with this.

Aslo, agree that removing the lock mechanism was essential for me to replace my rear DHC. After hours of attempting it without removing the lock mechanism, I removed the lock mechanism and all was downhill from there.

From my experience with the rear lock mechanism: A word of caution-after reinstalling your door lock mechanism, test it thoroughly without closing the door to insure all functions properly. Thankfully I was checking it and found the mechanism would not function properly-scary that I might have closed the door and been locked out with a major headache to resolve it.

Mike