Why is my Audi 5000 Passengers front door handle so hard to open?

[Kneale Brownson]

I find I can keep the 5k exterior doorhandles working smoothly if I squirt 
a little penetrating/lubricating oil in behind the actuating lever, into 
the keyhole and into the latching mechanism on the edge of the door once 
every couple of months.  I used to use WD40,  but I just started with some 
teflon-reinforced stuff and it may last longer.  I've done this on my 4K 
and 5K cars, which all use that same style of handle.  I've also found that 
if you push in on the outer part of the handle (relieving pressure on the 
latch) while squeezing the "trigger",  the latch releases easier.

You can get new posts for the latch at a dealership.  I doubt the plastic 
thingy will survive long.


At 06:45 PM 12/11/2000 -0800, Joseph Rae wrote:

>I have a 87 5000cstq and the front passengers door handle is very hard to
>open. You have to squeeze it very hard in order to open it.
>Is there a way to fix this?
>The Drivers side opens easily, and the back doors open perfectly as well.
>
>Also is there a replacement door striker. Mine all don't have the
>plastic/Rubber sheath around it, do you get a noticeable clunk when closing
>the doors?
>
>Thanks
>Joe Rae
>
>