1989 Chevy Astro Rear Door Handle -- Hard To Open

ETAL

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1989 CHEVROLET ASTRO

Other Category problem
1989 Chevy Astro Engine Size unknown Wheel Drive Type unknown Automatic 169000 miles

This is the rear (R) door. One of the kids yanked on the door handle while it was locked and it is now cracked from top to bottom. It has gotten very difficult to get this door open. I'm hoping all I need is a new handle. Each time I try to open it, it's harder to do.

My sliding door also is nearly impossible to get latched closed, So once I did get it closed, I've not allowed anyone to use that door again. The "U" is not latching around the pin as it should.

3 Replies

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

The rear handle will have to be replaced, if broken it probably cant pull the lock rods all the way making it difficult to open. The side door. Is the latch assembly working ok or does the striker need to be adjusted out so the latch can hook it easier? (Have to slam it to ge it to latch)

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Wednesday, January 16th, 2008 AT 7:33 AM

ETAL

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The sliding door had to be slammed several times before we could get it to shut. Since then, no one has been allowed to open the door again. I ran across a man who had an old Astro van with the same problem. He said the alignment of his sliding door dropped down. For a while he would pull up on the door to get his to shut. Later, even that became too difficult and he resorted to the same as me - never use it again.

Since I have power door locks, I'm too skeptical of doing the work myself. So I dread at how much this is going to cost me (single mom, -n all). Love my kids. I prove that every time I have to pay for everything they break (*sigh*). :Roll:

BTW- About how much should it cost to have a handle replaced? I can get the handle cheaper myself, but it's the labor and how much time I'll be charged.

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Friday, January 18th, 2008 AT 3:01 AM

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

My labor guide doesnt list a particular time for door handle replacement, to replace the actuator is only.7 hrs. The handle cant be too far off that, figure around an hour or so of the shops labor at whatever they charge per hour

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Friday, January 18th, 2008 AT 7:53 AM