Interior door handle failure
 

My interior door handle on the driver side of my 95 Z71 has been requiring more and more force to open lately. I had the latch replaced about a yerd ago because it could not be released from inside or out.
The latch still works fine with the outside handle but when I pull the inside handle it has been requirind more travel to release the latch and finally it failed to release the latch at all.
My question is:can the rod/cable that connects the two(handle and latch) be adjusted?
also: any advice on removing the door panel? I have a Haynes manual that says getting the panel off the side requires a "door removal tool". Is that tool really necessary?

Thanks guys.
Jake

RE: Interior door handle failure
 

ok sounds like you have a bent connecting rod in there. the tool makes it really easy and makes it so you dont have to replace the little door panel connectors. but you can get away without using it. if you want the panel to be snug then i suggest you get that tool, theyre like $8. and no the rods cannot be adjusted they are one piece construction.

RE: Interior door handle failure
 

make sure to check your inner door handle to make sure everythings there. my friend had a 96(same handles) and the lever that attached the handle to the rod broke and he couldnt use the inside latch, so another thing to check out.

RE: Interior door handle failure
 

The handle is bad...Get 1 from a dealer if you want the right color...Parts houses have gray only.

As stated...buy the tool and use it properly,or buy new retainers.

the handle attatches with a 1/4' rivet

RE: Interior door handle failure
 

Yep, broken handle. I'll get the tool or I have a buddy with a body shop who can pop the panel with me. I can use sheet metal screws to reattach the handle after I drill out the rivets, right?

Thanks,
Jake

RE: Interior door handle failure
 

theoretically yes. but i would go get a pop rivet tool and use that so you dont strip out the holes

RE: Interior door handle failure
 

i guess...but it'll be a big screw