Re: Wanted: final word on door handles!

[Todd Joseph <todd@ConnActivity.ConnActivity.com>]

Not sure everyone will agree with me, but for the $$, I would pull
them all and put in new ones.  Be sure to swap the locking mechanisms
in the fronts so they still match the ignition.

As for the driver's side rear, pry the handle off from the outside
(use a wood shim to protect the metal on the door).  Once pried off,
pull on the cable/rod to open the door -- at least that's what I did
on my old '86 5000CSTQ.

While you have all the doors apart, I would check for any impending
cable/pulley problems with the window regulators and repair as needed
with bicycle brake cables.  Also, on the drivers side inspect the
wiring harness to make sure it is not rubbing or in danger of creating
a short where the door opens.

Good luck.

Todd
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>I think we all know that the VW/Audi door handles are a chronic
>problem, but in all the FAQs and archives, I am at a loss to
>find definitive instructions on fixing them at various stages
>of failure symptoms.  I can now only open my driver's door on
>my 4kq from the outside, and the driver's side rear door won't
>even open from the inside now!  How much lubrication and/or
>adjustment is possible to save these, or are they hopeless?