Seeking QUALITY Door Handle Components

[ChiefRider]

I know replacement part quality is a pretty hit and miss thing now, but I am hoping there are some current suggestions about where to buy the die-cast door handle mechanism? I replaced one in the rear driver's side 3 years ago- and it failed yesterday. I treat the door handles like they're made of glass (not too far-fetched!) and really don't want to do this again soon.


Thanks!

[andrewwynn]

The problem is a design defect. All the copies use the same design. I've repaired about 8 DHC using steel cable ties and it's stronger than new. You can find my repair searching for awr-fix in the thread title

[80stech]

If you want to be sure of the quality buy the BMW one. I have replaced 3 of 4 door handle carriers with different brands (1 was BMW and avoiding the cheap ones) and the first 2 so far have outlasted the originals. I 450,000k on mine and the drivers door gets opened at least a 10 times a day (and locked/unlocked with the key about a third of those times) I think adding some lube helps.

[andrewwynn]

Adding lube helps greatly!

Even though we hear a lot about the DHC failure online, and I've repaired a bunch, they were about 17-20 years old at the time.

[ChiefRider]

I remember reading your post about reinforcing the carrier AFTER I did the job the last time. I did lube the parts, fwiw. I'll be doing that proactively this time.



The truly annoying part of the job is removing the door panel without the ability to open the door...


Thank you gentlemen.

[80stech]

Now that I think about, I did work on the 4rth door as well but I caught that before the it got to point of breaking the handle and just replaced the cable.

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by ChiefRider

I remember reading your post about reinforcing the carrier AFTER I did the job the last time. I did lube the parts, fwiw. I'll be doing that proactively this time.



The truly annoying part of the job is removing the door panel without the ability to open the door...


Thank you gentlemen.

You can't use the interior door handle?

[andrewwynn]

Originally Posted by Fifty150hs

You can't use the interior door handle?

Not on a rear door that's child lock set.


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[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

Not on a rear door that's child lock set.


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Got it. That sucks