Howto: Remove/Replace Exterior Drivers Door Handle

[AFTERSHOX]

Hi guys; AFTERSHOX here.... with my first "how to" guide; "Removing / Replacing the exterior drivers side door handle"

 

THERE ARE QUITE A FEW PHOTOS IN HERE, SO BE PATIENT WHILE THEY LOAD UP;

 

TOOLS required:-

Small Flat Blade Screwdriver

PH3 screwdriver / Bit MAGNETIC PREFERRED

T30 (Torx) Screwdriver / Bit MAGNETIC PREFERRED

Small PENLIGHT TORCH

 

Small piece of thin / flexible but stiff paper or card (OPTIONAL)

 

Small tub or container to keep the screws safe.

 

Small Japanese fingers (helpful)

 

Replacement DOOR HANDLE (If you are replacing it);

 

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Before you begin; you will need to make sure that you have done the following:-

 

a) UNLOCK all doors

Roll-down the Drivers Window (FULLY) - You'll THANK ME later if you need to ASK WHY;

c) REMOVE Keys from ignition

 

STEP 1)

 

Remove the TWO RUBBER GROMMETS (as shown in the photo); You can use fingers; they are quite easy to remove.

 

 

STEP 2)

 

PH3 screwdriver bit - Remove the TOP screw

 

 

STEP 3)

 

PH3 screwdriver bit - Remove the BOTTOM screw;

 

CAUTION : Be careful not to drop the screw inside the door panel; (This can easily be avoided by using my TIP below);

 

 

TIP : Using your small piece of thin card; create a rolled tube and insert into the door cavity; now remove the BOTTOM screw with confidence; You have LESS CHANCE of dropping / losing the screw down the hole inside the door panel;

 

 

 

STEP 4)

 

TORX 30 bit - Now remove the screw securing the lock barrel.

 

 

STEP 5)

 

The handle will now be 'loose'; but it is not ready for removal (just yet)! The next step is to manipulate the handle sufficiently so that you gain access to the locking mechanism 'electrics';

 

Try and create a gap (about as large as you see in the picture below);

 

 

Using the SMALL FLAT BLADE screwdriver; gently lift the plastic clip off (seperating the electrical connection from the key / lock barrel as shown in the next 2 photos) This CABLE is tight, and needs to be disconnected.

 

CLIP ATTACHED

 

CLIP REMOVED

 

Once the CLIP is removed (..and the electrical connection is free of the key / lock barrel mechanism) - you will have a little more 'shuffle room' to perform the next step;

 

STEP 6)

 

Now you have a little more room to manoeuvre the handle; what you need to do is to manipulate the handle so you can gain access to the FINAL SCREW which secures the lock barrel to the handle

 

PH3 screwdriver bit

 

I found the easiest way to remove the FINAL SCREW is to rotate the handle slightly outwards - as shown in the picture below; YOU MAY WANT TO USE A PROTECTIVE CLOTH AGAINST THE DOOR EDGE when unscrewing the FINAL SCREW to save damaging your paintwork;

 

 

Once you have unscrewed the lock / barrel from the handle - the handle is free to be removed !

 

GENTLY LIFT the handle OUTWARDS and UPWARDS - diagonally (There is a SHORT METAL LINKAGE still connected to the HANDLE [this is normal - do not PANIC - this is ATTACHED and REMOVED along with the handle)

 

 

IF you are only removing the handle - you may now SKIP the next steps - and read the FINAL STEPS (Re-assembly!)

 

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HANDLE REPLACEMENT

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If you are REPLACING the HANDLE; you'll need to 'steal' the LINKAGE from the OLD HANDLE - and fit it on the new HANDLE;

 

 

As per PHOTO below; rotate the white clip downwards whilst roatating the LINKAGE upwards - then remove from the hole;

 

Photo below shows LINKAGE removed - and ready to transplant to the new HANDLE

 

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FINAL STEPS (RE-ASSEMBLY)

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Before replacing your handle - you may wish to clean any dirt / debris around where the handle attaches to the door;

 

RE-ASSEMBLY is quite straightforward (BASICALLY, do everything you have just done, but in reverse!);

 

HOWEVER; There are TWO tricky parts to RE-ASSEMBLY;

 

Tricky #1) Ensure the LINKAGE on the handle is INSERTED correctly into the door opening mechanism.

 

The picture below shows you the DIRECTION of where the LINKAGE goes;

 

VERY IMPORTANT : ENSURE the LINKAGE is inserted into the centre hole of what looks like a PLASTIC (funnel) - MINE was BLUE PLASTIC; I couldn't get close enough with the camera to show you exactly where this is;

 

USE A TORCH - and you will see it; just ENSURE that the LINKAGE goes into the hole into the BLUE PLASTIC FUNNEL.... and you'll be OK.

 

(If you miss the HOLE - the door handle will not open the door [from the outside] - once you have re-assembled it; SO, if your have messed this up, you'll have to disassemble and start over) - THAT is why you need all doors unlocked, and windows open [at the start].

 

Tricky 2)

 

Once the LINKAGE is back in, and the lock / barrel is re-attached to the handle; the next awkward part is re-connecting the WIRING (electrics) to the lock;

 

This is really quite fiddly, and where you need your little japanese fingers; once the electrics are back on; just proceed with re-assembly; I find *swearing lots* helps with this stage.

 

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CONGRATULATIONS - You are DONE ! Stand back and admire your handiwork.

 

 

Now check that everything works; including checking that the KEY also unlocks / locks the car;

 

 

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Hope you found this guide useful; if you feel it needs improvement - let me know

and I'll consider revising it. Thanks.

 

Username : AFTERSHOX

 

Forum : http://www.350z-uk.com

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[Beau]

Good guide.

 

My handle seems different though, less clips. It was just a case of pulling it out

[DoogyRev]

Great Guide

[Stoker11]

V good guide

[leonk]

Excellent guide!

[M13KYF]

great guide