Door Handle Repair

[MPitt]

Is it possible to replace the spring in the door handles?

Today my drivers side handle stopped opening the door completely. I tore everything apart and when I inspected the handle, the linkage appears to be pushing down ok (I even lowered the plastic piece on the end as far as it would go without falling off), but when the handle is pulled, it won't return to the original position.

When I would push the linkage down manually, it would go back in place like it should during normal operation, but when pulling the handle, the handle stays in the pulled position. The handle mechanism looked really grimy, so I tried cleaning them up a little, which seemed to work ok for a little bit but didn't last. I think the issue is the spring, but I don't know for certain.

The reason I'm a little hesitant to replace the handles is because they are script handles, so I'd rather not outright replace them. I think I may have a spare handle or two, so would replacing the mechanism inside the case be worthwhile? Right now I'd like the easiest option since it's too cold out to be working on this too much.

[porschetub]

Originally Posted by MPitt

Is it possible to replace the spring in the door handles?

Today my drivers side handle stopped opening the door completely. I tore everything apart and when I inspected the handle, the linkage appears to be pushing down ok (I even lowered the plastic piece on the end as far as it would go without falling off), but when the handle is pulled, it won't return to the original position.

When I would push the linkage down manually, it would go back in place like it should during normal operation, but when pulling the handle, the handle stays in the pulled position. The handle mechanism looked really grimy, so I tried cleaning them up a little, which seemed to work ok for a little bit but didn't last. I think the issue is the spring, but I don't know for certain.

The reason I'm a little hesitant to replace the handles is because they are script handles, so I'd rather not outright replace them. I think I may have a spare handle or two, so would replacing the mechanism inside the case be worthwhile? Right now I'd like the easiest option since it's too cold out to be working on this too much.

Your handles are history send them to me for free ,no not really get a standard handle and swap bits over ,if the cast alloy part of the handles is ok they can be sorted.
Get new lock linkages and replace the pivot pins with an oversize roll pin.

[tlechner]

Yep - swap out the busted parts. Even went the other way when the handle went bad swapping lock mechanism to a new handle.
Don't remember the exact sequence - just that it was surprisingly not as bad as i thought it would be. think i did some swearing trying to hook the linkage back up though.

[nynor]

is it cold where you are and salty?

the mechanism is fouled. pull off the door panel and clean the door handle mechanism with a toothbrush and isopropyl alcohol. then lube it all again with graphite, NOT oil.

[MPitt]

Originally Posted by nynor

is it cold where you are and salty?

the mechanism is fouled. pull off the door panel and clean the door handle mechanism with a toothbrush and isopropyl alcohol. then lube it all again with graphite, NOT oil.

Cold, yes. Wouldn't say salty though, although the car is originally from NJ but I don't know which city.

If there's a warm day I'll try cleaning it with a brush and lubing again. I went into it thinking it was a linkage issue and got a little frustrated and gave up early.

Another question, this car has the electric locks. There was a plate that I had to remove plus the compressor? that performs the lock action. After getting everything back together, the lock doesn't move manually, or with the key/compressor. Is there something I should specifically look for? I was able to manually move the inner lock mechanism so I don't think that would be the issue.

Related to this, what is the proper way to remove the white cable on the handle for the electric locks, and if I have to replace the guts of the handle, do I need to get a donor from a car with the electric locks?

Sorry for the late bump, my computer at home was out of commission and had a busy week at work last week. Thanks for the replies so far!