Rear Door Handle Stripped

[Red911t]

I replaced the carrier on my driver's side rear door handle last week and as I was getting the exterior handle off and on again, I think I stripped the notches that secure it in the front clip....when I open the door the left side of the handle pops out now and pops back in easily, but clearly isn't secure. Has anyone done this before? If so, can you replace that 'plug' that slots into the clip? Or do I need to order a new primered door handle and paint it

Thanks in advance

[oldskewel]

The PO on my car damaged that thing. It is supposed to insert, then rotate to lock in at the front attachment point.

His solution, which I then upgraded, is to put a screw through the plastic, holding it onto the door handle carrier. Screw comes in from the interior side. Of course a new handle will fix it too.

[Red911t]

You can get a good angle on putting a screw through there? My door panel is back on but didn't seem like there was any way to access that spot to drive a screw through the plastic

[jopecasa]

It can be done and I've done it myself.

Drill a pilot hole first..... then screw in while pushing the door handle from the outside.

NOTE: Mesure length of screw and drill just far enough

I find this method to be more secure compared to just lining and twisting to lock with the inside tab of the door handle.

[oldskewel]

I don't remember details, but yes, that's how I do it. Interior door panel needs to be removed.

EDIT - and jopecasa's answer ^^^ sounds right to me.

[jopecasa]

Originally Posted by oldskewel

I don't remember details, but yes, that's how I do it. Interior door panel needs to be removed.

Forgot about the door panel removal!