5K Door Handle

["Al Powell" <APOWELL@agcom.tamu.edu>]

"Linus D. Toy" <linust@interramp.com> wote

> 
> The problem is dirt--a bunch of it where it doesn't belong.  It's causing
> the door latch mechanism to bind, not necessarily the door handle/trigger
> assembly.  The solution is to get all the dirt out of the entire door latch
> (and handle, while you're at it) mechanisms, then LIGHTLY lubricate it.
> Spraying a bunch of lube (oily stuff) into the door *might* make things work
> better for a while, but then it's going to attract even more dirt later on.
> I'd also check that the seals and weatherstrips (bottom of the window) are
> all intact.
> 
> As for what breaks when there's too much stickyness in there, it's usually
> the trigger itself, though it only comes with the handle.  As someone
> pointed out in a response, it's made of white metal (whatzat, exactly?
> looked like a pot-metal casting to me) and does crack with age and
> stress--mine did.  yeah, should have gone to the junk yard, but back then i
> thought i was well-to-do and did the dealer thing:  $75.  

Altho Linus has summed it up, the specific problem in most 5K door 
handles is the lock mechanism linkage, which the handle trigger has to 
move each time it's pushed.  The long-term solution is to make sure 
that all pivot points in the lock linkage are lubed - and the effort 
required to toggle the trigger in the door handle usually is 
drastically reduced.  Conversely, this is the reason the trigger 
usually breaks!  when the effort gets too high, BOINK.

I recommend removing the door panel and using white lithium grease in 
a spray can with the extended (push-in type) nozzle - lets you put the 
lube where it's needed.  Do all four doors about once every 2 years 
and don't get too happy with the lube, as it can attract dirt.
Al Powell                           Voice:  409/845-2807
Ag Communications                   Fax:    409/862-1202
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