Is there anything that can be done to tighten the outer door handle? It's not loose to the point of falling off by any means; it's just a big "jiggly" when I go to pull on it. I think it may be a spring or something. My passenger side is nice and tight; driver's side is loose.
Can something be tightened or do I need to go with a new door handle or replacement parts?
TIA 2.8 86 auto
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10:17 AM
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Mike Gonzalez Member
Posts: 5093 From: Colorado Springs, CO. USA Registered: Jul 2001
Most likely needs replaced, the pot metal hinge points break on them leaving the lever that actuates the door latch the only thing holding it on. If you order a replacement, get some new door moulding clips also, you will need them after you remove the door skin the old ones will break.
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10:21 AM
Tony Kania Member
Posts: 20794 From: The Inland Northwest Registered: Dec 2008
I know, on mine, one of the two nuts fell off after 20 plus years of use. The handle itself has two metal prongs that are attached to the hinge part of the handle jutting into the door frame. Even with the inner panel off, it is quite difficult to reattach the nut. The nuts are (excuse me for forgetting the proper name ) are a stamped metal. They can be bought for a few cents at any auto store.
Disregard all of this if you really only have a broken spring in your handle.
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11:08 AM
James Bond 007 Member
Posts: 8872 From: California.U.S.A. Registered: Dec 2002
Most likely needs replaced, the pot metal hinge points break on them leaving the lever that actuates the door latch the only thing holding it on. If you order a replacement, get some new door moulding clips also, you will need them after you remove the door skin the old ones will break.
I agree,if you use a mirror you can probubley see where its broken.Try the mall section for replacement .
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11:44 AM
whodeanie Member
Posts: 3819 From: woodstock,Ga.,USA Registered: Jan 2008
yep, the spring is broken. you can get new ones at just about any parts store GM used these door handles on several cars. I found 2 at Auto Zone in the Help parts section for 18 each. I don't have the part number anymore, I should have saved it. D.
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11:49 AM
josef644 Member
Posts: 6939 From: Dickinson, Texas USA Registered: Nov 2006
I purchased the cheap ones listed on E bay as a replacement for the ones on my car. The studs that the speed nuts thread on to are to short. Go ahead and get the good ones and it will make your life a bit easier. The handles can be replaced while the skins are still on the car. You have to drill a 1/2" hole in the door frame to get a socket threw to hit the nut back on the stud. It will not be seen after you replace the inside door panel. Check out this thread and you can see how I did it last September. The thread with information. https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/094822.html
There is a small spring on the handle that is made to keep it from rattling. I don't remember this being a repairable item. You will have to remove the handle to get a good look. A zone sells the 'Help' replacement handles. They did have them in black or chrome last I checked. They, 'Help, are usually good quality replacements.
Thanks, but from reading previous posts, the only thing I need to replace is the spring itself, which is causing the loose handle. I was just not sure if the link I had posted shows the correct spring or not for the outer handle.
New handle parts, inside and outside, see dorman and get part. auto part store have it or can order it.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)