Driverside Door Handle

[konaboy]

So I go to get in yesterday and feel the outside drivers door handle on my '97 XLT just flopping kind of loosely. It still latches but the spring tension they normally have is totally gone. Before I go popping off the panel I thought I'd ask if there is a spring inside that can be replaced or what the mechanism is that gives the handle that tension, I looked in my Haynes manual and can't find anything on it. I'm hoping I don't have to replace the whole handle assembly, anyone know??

Thanks,
Brian

 

[MONMIX]

ya gotta do the whole handle

sorry

 

[konaboy]

Which means drilling out the rivets under the handle, pulling off the inside panel to disconnect it and riveting it back in, huh.

Here's a question is there a reason to go through and do that if the door still latches?

 

[MONMIX]

your remedy is 100% correct

Well it is up to you. I am way overly **** about my truck and I could not tolerate the handle being loose.

If you can live with it, no harm no foul.

 

[TheVarmit]

I've read all the posts concerning this loose door handle problem here on these forums, but exactly what causes the handle to be loose? Is it a broken spring or is it the hole where the springs go that are worn? I have 2 springs for replacement, but MONMIX, you said the whole assembly needs replacing? Ford dealership quoted me $96 for the whole handle assembly for my 96 X, I though this was waaaay high. Also, it would have to be painted to match.

 

[MONMIX]

well let me put it this way.

As many of the handles have passed through my hands I have never observed any way to go about replacing just the springs.

 

[TheVarmit]

MONMIX, does the 96 bucks Ford quoted me for the part sound reasonable?

 

[MONMIX]

$96.00 instaled is a decent deal

 

[duke16]

Offhand, do you know how much it was for just part (not installed)?

 

[explorerfriend]

Darn, This just happened to my 95 explorer as i was opening the door, I hear a loud click and felt the outside handle go loose but it still opened. I closed it hoping that it still operates and it did to my surprise, but It really bothers me how easy it is to pull the handle. Hopefully it will last as I do not want to pay to replace and paint it. This explorer has cost me so much in repairs already. It is high mileage though and I'm getting 20 mpg city with no money spent on mods, so can't really complain. Love driving her.

 

[pmaropak]

springs

I had this happen on my 96.... a couple of ring springs were later found in the door body, broken. The handle needs to come off.

 

[Anime]

With the door handle needing replacement to solve the problem, does anyone know if any 91-01 handle will work on any X? Are the mechanisms the same? Any chance the rear handles on a 4 door can be used for the front, since they're used alot less and just replacing front door handles with used front door handles that are worn already doesn't seem worth it.

I'm hoping a handle is a handle is a handle, i.e. the same handle will work in any door on 91-01's

 

[springer]

I have done my driver's door. I bought the handle at the local dealer for $28.75, and it comes pre-painted.
It's very easy to install, you will need some nice stainless bolts and nylock nuts to re-attach the handle.

 

[gijoecam]

Ditto... You can leave the one you have in place for as long as you like. Mine was like that for about two and a half years. It was just annoying on the freeway as I could hear it flopping in the breeze. The only reason I replaced it is my latch/lock mechanism had a spring fail leaving the door locked. Since I had to replace the latch assembly, I replaced the handle while I had the rest of the door apart.

I used the OEM pop rivits to hold the new handle in place, but some equivalent bolts work just fine. Use flat-head bolts so they don't scrape your knuckles.

-Joe

 

[daffy]

I have done my driver's door. I bought the handle at the local dealer for $28.75, and it comes pre-painted.
It's very easy to install, you will need some nice stainless bolts and nylock nuts to re-attach the handle.

You mean pre-painted, as in primer? Or color matched to the door paint code?

Mine busted today, so I am really curious

 

[gijoecam]

You would order it in your body color. Take the paint code off the door sticker in when you order it.

-Joe

 

[saewoody]

Mines been like that for about 4-5 years. At first it was annoying and I couldn't believe it still worked, but I'm even more impressed that is still works now. It doesn't annoy me anymore!