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[orv]

One more today: Dana complained the door handles were stiff on the '88 Cabriolet. Those of you who have had VWs know that this isn't a complaint to take lightly - the handles are fragile and break easily with rough treatment. I took off both handles, cleaned, and greased them, then cleaned and greased the latch assemblies. This seems to have

Comments

[kianir]

[orv]

Those handles are getting expensive, too. Last I checked they were up to $128 each.

[c_eagle]

good plan...

I was a smidgy ruff on the Honda handle, and it broke in half from metal fatigue a few years ago. I drove it that way for a long time, then finally went to a yunk yaarr and got a replacement. I now handle the handle gingerly :}

[orv]

When I go to the junk yard all the VW handles are either broken or missing. They're that bad. ;)

[jon_helfrich]

The ones on my Fox don't get stiff, they just get more and more difficult to squeeze the latch open. It's to the point where I need both hands to open it.

I tried $30 aftermarket ones from bow wow auto parts and those barely lasted a month. The $60 factory ones are much better, they tend to last at least 10-12 months..

[orv]

On Dana's car the lever wasn't operating easily and it would hang up and not spring back. I took the handle off and greased it where the parts inside made sliding contact. I also sprayed the latch mechanism on the door with brake cleaner to remove the old grease, then re-greased it. Seemed to take care of the problem, at least for now.

[audiwulf]

I put new handles on the Audi a few years back. Between the UV and age, they were ready to break.

The drivers handle recently snapped off the Camry. Coupled with the power steering and coolant leaks, I think she's demanding some attention...

[orv]

Did you talk about money around the car? I try not to let them know when I have some... ;)