DIY: Rear Door Outer Handle Replacement

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 18, 2014 | 03:09 PM
  #1  
jstahnke10's Avatar
Thread Starter
Go Brewers!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 360
Likes: 5
From: Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
DIY: Rear Door Outer Handle Replacement

The door handle on my '03 TL broke.
After further investigation, I found that the lever that opens the latch broke.

Name:  PhotoSep2164449PM.jpg
Views: 1120
Size:  29.9 KBName:  2014-10-18133510.jpg
Views: 1078
Size:  43.1 KBName:  2014-10-18133528.jpg
Views: 1179
Size:  70.0 KB

I did some digging online and found some replacement door handles for around $30 unpainted.
I called a few junk yards to see if anyone had one in my color match.
I found one for $43 and change after shipping (south side of Chicago to north side of Milwaukee).
I did not get any estimates for painting a new unpainted handle.

Anyway, the box arrived and I got down to it...
I am not going to go through removing the inner door panel. A search will find it easy enough.
It's two screws, a bunch of push clips and a window/door control clip.
You'll want to make sure the window is raised to the top before the window control clip is removed.

You will need:
Appx 30-60 minutes
Screwdriver
10mm socket
socket extension

First step is to remove the rod protector.
Remove the screw and shift the hooks out.
Take this out of the door and set it aside out of the way.

Name:  2014-10-18134653-E.jpg
Views: 1024
Size:  40.4 KB

Next you need to disconnect the lock rod from the lock crank.
It's the same clip as the inner door handle, just lift it up and pull it out.

Name:  2014-10-18134536-E.jpg
Views: 1051
Size:  36.8 KB

Now you'll need to remove the three screws securing the latch.
Make sure you have a large screw driver so as not to strip these screws.

Name:  2014-10-18134439-E.jpg
Views: 1035
Size:  48.6 KB

You're just going to need this out of the way; it can be slid down inside the door so you can get into the opening.

Name:  2014-10-18133304.jpg
Views: 1027
Size:  38.1 KB

Finally, remove the two bolts securing the outer handle.
You'll need a short extension to reach the bolt.
One can be reached where the rod protector was:

Name:  2014-10-18133839-E.jpg
Views: 1006
Size:  31.4 KB

The other can be reached where the latch was:

Name:  2014-10-18133939.jpg
Views: 1077
Size:  42.2 KBName:  2014-10-18133955-E.jpg
Views: 1010
Size:  32.0 KB

The outer handle protector will come off from the inside, and the handle will now come off from the outside.

Name:  2014-10-18133247.jpg
Views: 1023
Size:  40.8 KB

Replace with your new handle and reassemble everything in reverse order of removal.
Note: Make sure the door opens and locks properly before assembling the inner door panel. It'll just save some time if you have to take it off again.

Hooray! A normal working door again!
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Yumcha
Automotive News
9
Feb 25, 2020 09:57 AM
tman570
2G RL Audio, Bluetooth, Electronics & Navigation
11
Jun 11, 2019 07:56 AM
obert
Car Parts for Sale
4
Oct 29, 2015 10:37 PM
Yumcha
Automotive News
2
Sep 4, 2015 08:03 AM
brjones9
1G TSX (2004-2008)
3
Sep 3, 2015 07:30 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:51 PM.