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car handles keep breaking


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Bridget
New User

Jan 14, 2016, 7:21 AM

Post #1 of 6 (1449 views)
car handles keep breaking Sign In

Hi, I have a 1999 Chrysler Sebring, not a convertible, two door. The outside door handles on both sides keeping breaking. I have had the car for two years and have already replaced door handles twice and now the driver's side is broken again. I am VERY careful with them, especially after the first time. The friend I bought the car from had to replace them several times too. Luckily, same friend knows how to install them, so she has helped me and they only cost $20; however, it takes a long time and since this isn't her problem anymore, I hate to ask her again. I am wondering if I should just get rid of the car, even though it is ok in all other aspects. Any ideas? Thanks.


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Jan 14, 2016, 7:33 AM

Post #2 of 6 (1444 views)
Re: car handles keep breaking Sign In

Does it take a lot of force to lift up the handle to open the door? Are cheap door handles being installed?





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Bridget
New User

Jan 14, 2016, 9:38 AM

Post #3 of 6 (1434 views)
Re: car handles keep breaking Sign In

No, not a lot of force at all, and sometimes you can almost feel it getting worse if that makes any sense. We have bought the handles at the auto parts store and they only sell one product for this make and model. There is no option to buy "better" ones. You can bet I would have! A dealership that has Chryslers told me to buy them from them is $108 each (compared to the $20 at the auto parts store), and they are still plastic and have maybe a 30 day warranty, which wouldn't do me much good. Do you think they would be better ones? Have you heard about anyone having this problem and what they did?


kev2
Veteran
kev2 profile image

Jan 14, 2016, 9:50 AM

Post #4 of 6 (1432 views)
Re: car handles keep breaking Sign In

A thought - Some dealers in my area "guaranty repairs for life" - Do the math !!
You might want to let them replace with the costly item and then they own the handle so to speak.
BUT I also suspect there is other factors - ie fit and adjustment, part quality, do you paint them,


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jan 14, 2016, 11:12 AM

Post #5 of 6 (1428 views)
Re: car handles keep breaking Sign In

Just some "other" for this type problem: If door isn't hung* and adjusted properly up to new hinges or new latch if lubing it both inside door and what you see outside there will be extra strain on handles. The cheap one is no doubt a Chinese clone for popular ones and not up to par as well.
* Hung I mean all that is adjustable in line, even gaps where door meets body metal and latch as said kept lubed - WD-40 or similar light oil, spray grease for hinges and the jaws of latch you can see. Auto body shops are particularly good at this and have tools that can be needed such that door will open with one finger no problem,


T



Bridget
New User

Jan 14, 2016, 1:12 PM

Post #6 of 6 (1423 views)
Re: car handles keep breaking Sign In

Gosh, I never would have thought of those types of things. I am glad I came here and will take these door comments into consideration. Perhaps I need to take the car in and have the doors looked at. Thanks.






 
 
 






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