Door handle blues - 1987 type 44

[Kurt Deschler]

You can use thin steel wire to replace the plastic clips on the operating 
rods. Put the twist on side of the connector that faces away from the 
ball.  The wire will stay in the notch that the clip sat in. You can press 
the connector on with needle-nose pliers.
 	Kurt
 	87 5kcstq
 	89 200tq
 	00 s4

> Message: 3
> Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 11:06:27 -0500
> From: Dave C <dconner at gmail.com>
> Subject: Door handle blues - 1987 type 44
> To: quattro at audifans.com
> Message-ID: <4da48bee05012608061189b1ab at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
>
> The front left (drivers ) door handle needs to be replaced on my 1987
> 5kq... cold weather and ice have revealed the weakness.  Could Audi
> have made these mechanisms any more complicated?
>
> My goal is to fix it properly without spending more $$ than necessary.
> I'd like to transfer the lock cylinder and/or tumblers and continue
> using my old key.  I think the OEM handles are made in Germany and
> prices seem to be in the $35-50 range.  I also see there are non OEM
> handles available, made in Canada, Belgium, and maybe elsewhere for
> about half that price.
>
> Are any of these improved/redesigned, maybe actually better, more
> durable, than the original?  If they've been redesigned, will I be
> able to use my old lock cylinder/tumblers in the redesigned version?
>
> I also have a problem with the plastic connectors on the rods that
> link to the door handle.  ETKA calls these "operating rod".  The clips
> on mine are broken.  The number on these plastic parts is 443 837 121
> but ETKA does not list it.  A search of the archives turns up other
> posts where people ask about replacement of this part but I could not
> find any reply indicating the part is available separately.  Does
> anyone know of a source?  Has anyone found a satisfactory method to
> repair the clip?
>
> I found one post where Phil Payne says to try part number 443 827 121
> instead but ETKA doesn't list that either.
>
> - -