Loose interior door handle

scrappie · 03-25-2008, 04:43 AM

My 71 Olds driver's side interior door handle seems to be loose and maybe failing. I can pull the lever all the way up and the door does not open. I have to give it a shove with my left shoulder for it to open. The door works perfectly from the exterior door handle. I have access to some parts but I have to travel a ways to purchase. Has anybody here had this problem? Do you think it is the latch mechanism that hits the striker? Could it be out of adjustment? Could it be the interior door handle mechanism? I just want to replace the right part without buying what I don't need.

Oldsguy · 03-25-2008, 04:51 AM

It would be difficult to say without some investigation. If you can remove the handle, then the door panel and take a photo of it that would help. Right off the bat, I can think of this, the handle is splined and pressed onto the shaft and is retained with a C clip; if the shaft/handle or both have been galled then the handle would lift as you said. However, pushing the door with your shoulder and opening it indicates that the latch mechanism isn't holding the door closed well. You may have more than one problem. A photo would really help out. In the meantime, look for abnormal wear on the striker bolt and any other mechanisms once you get that door panel off.

Lady72nRob71 · 03-25-2008, 06:13 AM

My '72 had this problem almost to the point I was having to use the outside handle.
Pull the door handle off and lube everthing well - all linkages and mechanisms; whatever moves in there (except the window guide post).

Since it is apart, you should get some new door handle mechanisms (CH26676) from OPG (they are repros but they fit and work perfectly.) They cost about 50 bucks for a pair and OPG is the only place I have seen them. (Of course this is assuming your Olds is an A-body).
Also while it is apart, it would be a good time to clean out the door and apply POR15 to prevent future rust.

My mechanism on the left side had a broken spring and was extremely loose. I completed the door overhaul and added power locks, so I got a good learning experience. My left door pops open now, just like new, and closes solidly. I need to do the right door next.

If none of this helps, the main latch assembly may need replacing.
Hope this helps...

joe_padavano · 03-25-2008, 06:43 AM

I will add that what you may be seeing is worn hinge pins. As the pins wear and the door sags, the latch rubs on the striker. Even with a properly-functioning handle mechanism you may need to "shoulder" the door open. Inspect the striker bolt for unusual wear and also with the door open, try to move it up and down while looking for slop in the hinges.

scrappie · 03-25-2008, 08:58 AM

Thanks guys, I will take all your advice and let you know how I make out.

scrappie · 04-09-2008, 05:12 PM

Thanks guys, I fixed the door and it turned out to be the door handle mechanism. I was able to get one off another car.

03-25-2008, 04:43 AM	#1 (permalink)
scrappie Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 45	Loose interior door handle My 71 Olds driver's side interior door handle seems to be loose and maybe failing. I can pull the lever all the way up and the door does not open. I have to give it a shove with my left shoulder for it to open. The door works perfectly from the exterior door handle. I have access to some parts but I have to travel a ways to purchase. Has anybody here had this problem? Do you think it is the latch mechanism that hits the striker? Could it be out of adjustment? Could it be the interior door handle mechanism? I just want to replace the right part without buying what I don't need.

03-25-2008, 04:51 AM	#2 (permalink)
Oldsguy Administrator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Lees Summit MO Posts: 2,994	It would be difficult to say without some investigation. If you can remove the handle, then the door panel and take a photo of it that would help. Right off the bat, I can think of this, the handle is splined and pressed onto the shaft and is retained with a C clip; if the shaft/handle or both have been galled then the handle would lift as you said. However, pushing the door with your shoulder and opening it indicates that the latch mechanism isn't holding the door closed well. You may have more than one problem. A photo would really help out. In the meantime, look for abnormal wear on the striker bolt and any other mechanisms once you get that door panel off. __________________ Dan '46 2 door

03-25-2008, 06:13 AM	#3 (permalink)
Lady72nRob71 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 321	My '72 had this problem almost to the point I was having to use the outside handle. Pull the door handle off and lube everthing well - all linkages and mechanisms; whatever moves in there (except the window guide post). Since it is apart, you should get some new door handle mechanisms (CH26676) from OPG (they are repros but they fit and work perfectly.) They cost about 50 bucks for a pair and OPG is the only place I have seen them. (Of course this is assuming your Olds is an A-body). Also while it is apart, it would be a good time to clean out the door and apply POR15 to prevent future rust. My mechanism on the left side had a broken spring and was extremely loose. I completed the door overhaul and added power locks, so I got a good learning experience. My left door pops open now, just like new, and closes solidly. I need to do the right door next. If none of this helps, the main latch assembly may need replacing. Hope this helps... __________________ -Rob Young 1972 Cutlass Supreme Convertible (442 clone) -"Lady" (My mistress...) http://www.flickr.com/photos/robsalbum/sets/ 1986 Cutlass Supreme Coupe - "Pristine" 1978 Ford (Old Faithful) a.k.a. "the Tramp" 1997 Cadillac STS (for sale - too many cars!) 1999 Harley Davidson Sportster - "the Freedom Machine"

03-25-2008, 06:43 AM	#4 (permalink)
joe_padavano Moderator Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Northern VA Posts: 1,752	I will add that what you may be seeing is worn hinge pins. As the pins wear and the door sags, the latch rubs on the striker. Even with a properly-functioning handle mechanism you may need to "shoulder" the door open. Inspect the striker bolt for unusual wear and also with the door open, try to move it up and down while looking for slop in the hinges. __________________ Joe Padavano 64 Jetstar 88 Conv 66 442 L-69 Conv 68 W-30 69 H/O 69 442 70 W-30 72 442 84 Custom Cruiser 86 Caprice wagon (w/307 Olds)

04-09-2008, 05:12 PM	#6 (permalink)
scrappie Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 45	Fixed Thanks guys, I fixed the door and it turned out to be the door handle mechanism. I was able to get one off another car.

03-25-2008, 08:58 AM	#5 (permalink)
scrappie Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 45	Thanks guys, I will take all your advice and let you know how I make out.

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