seems like everytime I get my FD back together, something else breaks. Today, the driver door handle seems to have broken at the mechanism. Pulled up, it just sticks up. i pulled it off and tried pushing down the rods by hand but the door won't open. The inside handle works, so I am thinking its the mechanism where the roda connect. I have done some searches, but don't see anything to look for. Any suggestions before i order a new mechanism?

Thanks

Dan

 

Here's a temporary solution:

remove the door handle, flip it over and you'll see a small spring. Remove it and it'll require less upward force to open the door.

 

Just get the metal ones on ebay, problem solved.

 

I used jb weld on mine its not pretty but no one will ever see it plus it works really good now

 

metal handles.

 

From your description, your handle is still intact and did not break? If so, it is probably the junk metal arm that clamps around the actual handle that bent. If you take it apart, you will see two 'fingers' that hold onto the handle. I'm guessing that one of them is bent and will need to be bent back into shape. Your problem is that once it bends, it will do it again unless you reenforce the metal so it can't bend. I welded a couple dabs of metal behind the bend so it can't bend back again. Hope this helps...

 

Good preventative measure is to remove the handles maybe bi-annually (easy- pop the interior trim cover off the back, then unscrew 2x 10mm bolts, less than 2 minutes tops) and apply a good quality oil all over the mechanism, until it is covered.

Bolt it back on, wipe up any oil runs from around the handle, and there you go

 

I'm a big fan of brand new oem handles.... of course I may be biased as I've sold over 160 of them in the last two Group Buys

I like the new route, because (a) they replace the old assemblies which are usually scratched or chipped and (b) They'll last another 15 years easily, even more if you take care of them

 

Is there a current group buy? If not what do the pair usually cost?

 

+1 for OEM replacement. You get a fresh exterior as well.

 

Some years had gloss black and others had matte black on the outside of the handles, although which models that was, I cant seem to find at the moment.. I prefer the matte finish though. Gloss seems like it would scratch and dull too easily.

 

+1, I think I got one from you and was pleased I went the OEM route. I have read mixed reviews here on the forms regarding the metal replacements.

 

^Agreed

The last group buy had them at $250 per pair plus shipping, which is way cheaper than Mazda wants. I'm looking into another GB right now due to demand here and over on one of the v8 FD sites. If anyone is interested in jumping onboard please PM me

 

I highly recommend new OEM handles, the mechanism springs seem to be the culprit. They just wear out. As was stated in another post you now will have fresh new exterior paint which is always nice. My passenger side went bad and I replaced both at that time.

 

Just pulled it apart. Surpirse, it is the handle. I realized I had temporarily fixed it at least 6 years ago by tightenting the metal tabs and super gluing the handle on the arm. Not a bad temp fix, but I have replacement mental one on the way. Thanks guys

 

An OEM door handle from Mazda will come with the precious key cylinder light !!!!

 

...that might end up staying on all the time like on my DD, actually I got the ones from Rich and they don't come with lights.

 

^Yup, the OEM handles I get from Japan require you to swap over your light and lock cylinder.

 

well... if anyone feels like they need some door handles, i have a few for for sale in my thread....

 

hey cr-rex how much for a pair ?

 

Anyone have a product review for the metal handles? I'd like to know how they fit.

 

I bought mine from rx7doorhandles.com. although there was a shipping problem from my address in paypal. They took care of it quickly and sent a new one quickly. Fit was pretty good. I had to use a dremel to open up the part where the arms pass through because it was rubbing. Othwise, perfect fit.

I will post a photo later today.

 

Here is a shot after install