Re: quattro-digest V4 #3152

[knotnook@traverse.com]

To Chris Bishop and the rest of "team door handle":  I've done the door
handle repair three times on my various quattros:  2 '86 4KCS's and an '87
5KT, but I have one door on each '86 I cannot open, even from inside, and I
have two questions:  1, any suggestions for opening those doors; and, 2, a
reasonably-priced source for door handles.

Thanks, Kneale Brownson, knotnook@traverse.com


>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Wed, 2 Dec 1998 08:40:15 -0500
>From: "Chris Bishop" <crash70@epix.net>
>Subject: Re: door handle tips
>
>> Yeah, I'm an Audi neophyte... it's my first door handle...
>- --snip--
>
>....and it won't be your last!
>
>As far as replacement, I usually remove the door panel, and the locking
>mechanism from the door. I've also replaced Audi door handles by just
>removing the old handle, and snapping the rod ends on the balls on the new
>handle. Try it first without removing the panel. If it is just too much,
>you can always fire off the panel to ease the process. Either way, obtain
>some major-league patience, some little pick-tools and bent pieces of
>metal, and possibly a friend. 
>
>When removing the old handle, put some butyl (from your last taillight lens
>change, of course) on the tip of a #3 screwdriver to keep the screws from
>dropping down inside the door. If you are attempting handle replacement
>without door panel removal (it can be done) it can be really
>annoying.removing the door panel just to fetch a screw.  
>
>Before you install the new handle, make sure the latch mechanism on the
>handle is fully lubricated. (this is one of the major reasons these handles
>fail) Pot metal against pot metal is amazingly abrasive.
>
>Also, when you pop off the rod ends, be sure to unclip the little tiny hasp
>that folds over the tip of the rod end. (they resemble shift rod links
>found on VWs, if you're familiar with them) Be really careful not to break
>the hasp, since the ball will not stay in the socket very well without
>them.
>
>A final tip to long-living door handles. When you open the door, push IN on
>the door BEFORE squeezing the lever on the handle; this helps to take the
>pressure off the plate that latches over the locking pin. You'll instantly
>notice how easy it is to squeeze the handle when you open the doors in this
>manner. This low force requirement also equals less wear on the handle.
>
>Hope this helps you out,
>
>
>Chris Bishop
>
>Team Door Handle, Inc
>