Outside door handle broke

[eaglesguy1981j]

The outside door handle on my 97 explorer broke. I took the cover off and i have a replacement door handle. But I cant see how the door handle comes off. Any tips on this. Is there a special tool ?

 

[sean99]

The door handle is held on by rivets.. Tap the centers out then use pliers from the inside to break of the rivet peels...

 

[MONMIX]

OR
tap the center out and use a 1/4 inch drill bit.

 

[Smilinjack]

I got some great advise from a guy on "Ford Truck Emthuisasts" and it works!! Here it is:
They are peel rivets -1/4" x grip range .090" - .115" Marson stock #42372. You can break off the peels inside the door with a small pair of diagonal cutters and then punch them out or you can drill them out with a 1/4" drill bit. It is easier to replace the rivets with button head 1/4" bolts (available in chrome from Ace hardware) and nylock nuts than to use rivets. Recommend getting door lock rod clip while you are in there-
Door Handle Rod Clip
Ford Part# E83Z-5421952-B
Dorman HELP! 75473
Auveco # 17122
Now for getting the clip opened to disconnect the Door Handle Rod. With the inside door panel removed and the window up and the battery disconnected (just in case Murphy's around) I removed the aft window guide. Once the guides removed you can see the clip (usually yellow). I modified a 3/16 welding rod to hook the smaller end of the clip ( it just snaps into place to hold the rod secure) and pulled. It unclipped and I disconnected the rod by pull the rod out of the "V" of the clip (when you get your new clips you'll see what I'm talking about). I used a 90 degree pliers to remove the clip and proceeded as the others indicated above. Good luck!
P.S. I got my clips and rivets from my local Ford dealer 2 each for less than $10.

 

[celly]

Subscribed. I've got some work to do on my driver's side front. Will be another good reference.
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