DSMblue

I have had door handles previously replaced due to trigger sticking on driver's side. Now, the same problem is back on the newer handles (3 yrs. old). Is this a recurring issue that can only be solved by moving to 968 handles, or is there some other root cause that can make the existing handle work properly?

Jay W

The door release mechanism inside the door may be worn out and no matter how far out you adjust the rod from the handle to the door mechanism, it still may not release the door. If you have not tried to adjust that rod, do it first. Its not easy to do at all but alot easier than replacing the release mechanism. I spent a whole day adjusting that rod several times and finally giving up and putting in another used door release mechanism. The door works like new now.

RMills944

If you're looking for an excuse to move to 968 door handles, than I'll say "yes" for your sake.

robert944h

The 968 handle are nice because all of the parts are replacable, where the 944 handle you have to buy the whole thing.

RMills944

Not entirely true. The connector to the lock mechanism (the part that breaks most of the time) is replaceable. Both of mine broke within 2 weeks of each other and I replaced them.

robert944h

Well, you know what I mean

DSMblue

If I get a chance, I will try the adjustment. However, I believe the issue is something within the handle itself. When it was first replaced, it worked fine - now, when you pull the trigger, it sticks in the depressed mode and has to be manually pulled out. (A real pain when it is cold and snowy).

austin944

I've not had the "sticking" problem, but my original handles were difficult to squeeze and only opened the door at the point of farthest travel. I found the lever mechanism inside the handle had worn down, so I built it up using epoxy. That fix lasted about 6 months before I had to replace the handles. Now after 18 months of use, the new handles are hard to squeeze like the originals.

DSMblue

Thanks for the input! If I get a chance, I will take a look at the old handles and see what might be possible. I think that there is probably pot metal in some of the key areas that is probably wearing out with use - a "design for parts sale" type of engineering.

darren1031

I had the problem of where squeezing the handle was not enough to release the door. The mechanism wears down
the metal that it's supposed to push against to release the door. I mixed up a small quantity of JBWeld and put a *small*
ball of it in the worn spot. I used a sewing needle to get it into place. As it hardened, I operated the mechanism so it would
form the JBWeld to the proper shape and smooth it somewhat, then let it harden fully. That was about a year and a half ago
and the handle still works great today.

Darren
'87 944S

harrisonrick

what's the cost to switch to 968 handles? are they plug and play, or do you have to mod anything for them to work?

austin944

Do a search, it's been covered extensively here before, or look here:
http://www.951motorsports.com/968DH.htm

ksucat90

Did you get them to work? I have broken handle and thought you might save me a couple $$.