Ripped my driver's door handle right off the door!

[BT5150]

Maybe I'm stronger than I think I am, but a couple days ago my driver's door was all iced over and when I pulled on the handle, it wouldn't open, so I pulled even harder and then the handle just sheared right off! Has anyone here had to replace a door handle before or knows what it all involves? I'm getting really sick of having to get in through the passenger side, lean over and roll down the driver's window, then run back around and reach in to open the darn door!!!

[chevymaher]

I just did it after the wreck. I got my handle off E Bay same as factory metal one. There another that is different and a cheap plastic imitation one they sell. I paid under 10 bucks.

Edit: there's the critter. Exactly the same as factory, same quality.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Front-Left-Outs ... 13&vxp=mtr

[WoodButcher]

LOL, every time I read of this happening I laugh. I broke mine a few years back and got a replacement from autozone, a Dormans "HELP" part. The local distributor must have gotten a bad batch because I broke it again within a week. They gave me a new one that lasted two weeks. The third and last they had on hand I installed in the lot and that one the sales associate snapped before I got the interior panel back on. They got one from another store the next day and it has been fine since.

Use the search feature here and you'll find a "how to" hopefully you won't become a "pro" like me.

[BT5150]

Thanks guys! Chevymaher-I just looked at your link and I'm going to order one right after this, you can't beat that price! I will look for the how-to as well, you guys took care of my problem, now I'll have the part and the directions on how to fix it, too! That's why I really love this forum!!

[BT5150]

Although I am slightly let down to hear that this hasn't only happened to me-because of my superhuman strength!!!

[chevymaher]

Although I am slightly let down to hear that this hasn't only happened to me-because of my superhuman strength!!!

But it was you. Those handles are made of Kriptonite.

[cowboydan]

I got one out of I higher end model astro van from the wrecker. I wasn't sure, but there seems to be quality issues with the average outside door handle. My new one came off of a van with leather and rear air. It feels stronger than my passenger side handle...lol.

[90safari]

I've replaced 3 of those handles on 3 different vans (same door though). However, I bought my handles thru the dealer, as I figured that it was age and usage that contributed to it breaking (well that and our crappy winters). The 1 thing I noticed about the new GM replacements, was that they seemed heavier than the OE parts. But, I also found, that once I replaced them, I didn't have to worry about them breaking again, as they seemed better built than the stock original part.

[unlimitedweld]

I have replaced the driver's door outside handle about three times so far on my 88 Astro . I have owned it about 12 years. Every time I change it, it gets easier but it is not something to look forward to! The hint I can share is to stuff a towel or large rag into the door below your work area so that if you drop something, it is easier to retrieve. There seems to be only one type of cheaply made replacement part available and the quality is very poor, so plan on fixing it again before too long. I have not yet checked out what a dealer might have for it, but I will. The idea of hooking a cord to the inside handle lever and pulling it through a side window is a great idea for now because I won't be sending any more money to China for junky parts!

[RECox286]

Next time I break the handle, I do believe I'll remove the handle, attach a small pair of vice grips to the end of the

rod, and use that as the permanent fix. (Ha) I drilled a hole just above the door latch to provide access to

the top nut then use a 1/4' drive 10 mm swivel socket on a long extension to get the nut off and on. Covered the

hole with a plastic plug, just like the one for the bottom hole. Makes it much easier since I don't have to remove

the inside panel of the door. One thing you can do to elongate the life of the handles/latches/hinges is to lubricate

everything, as well as you can with WD40, at each oil change. Doing so will aleviate many headaches that come with door hardware.

Uncle Bob