Grrrr, sliding door handle hassles

So, I decided to replace my two broken sliding door handles pre the MOT. Got the new set, got the door cards off etc, removed the set screw, and of course dropped it into the door skin. Couldn't find a way to get it out, but I thought, at least I can figure out how to fit the new one. No dice. The old handle only has one screw holding it on, and the new one has two screw holes. One lines up with the old one, but the other lines up with a bolt in the door skin (see pic). What gives?



Also, the plastic grommet where the wire for the door release is supposed to fit looks like it's in backwards. I can't see how they're supposed to go together. (see pic)



Finally, I can't make the little wire release the door no matter which way I push or pull it. I've had rather a frustrating time; can anyone see what kind of idiot I'm being? (aside from the sort who drops screws into door skins)?

That bolt in the doorskin is still fitted to the rivnut from the old handle, some penetrating oil & a good pair of grips, then remove as you did the top bolt.


I find one of these very useful, as I have sausage fingers & drop everything.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2lb-Magnetic-Pick-up-Tool-Telescopic-Magnet-Extendable-/130577257589?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item1e6702d475#ht_500wt_969

Don't worry about dropping things I dropped my spanner in the door and had to use a bent coat hanger to get it out Kentgpz is right about the other bolt. the bit of wire should pull towards the back of the van to release the catch as for the clip not sure.

Note you don't actually need outer handles to pass the MOT as long as the door can be opened from the inside.

I find one of these very useful, as I have sausage fingers & drop everything.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2lb-Magnetic-Pick-up-Tool-Telescopic-Magnet-Extendable-/130577257589?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item1e6702d475#ht_500wt_969[/quote]

Thanks for that kentgpz, just ordered one.

Waz

I was told the sliding doors had to be opened from the outside by emergency services to get people out for MOT....?

dont know how it works only one of my side doors opens from the out side although both open from inside, always have and ive never got round to fixing such, however van has passed MOT three years in a row ? strange .......

Same here, maybe it's different though for an MPV as passengers shouldn't be in the back of a van with no seats.

Same with my MPV. One handle has never worked and one I managed to solve but it has passed the MOT like it over about 8 years. So I don't think there is much need to do anything about it unless they make a point of failing it.

For MOT on a van rear doors do not need to be opened but a MPV if there are no seats or belts it's the same as a van but if fitted, doors should be able to be opened from the outside BUT if the window is open and can be opened using the inside handle this is a pass and a lot of testers over look it as in a crash the fire service will cut/smash or both it is a little tester dependant like a lot of the test.

I've recently fitted 3 sliding door handles bought from the absent hijetparts.co.uk and treadmill doctor on ebay. Treadmill doctor gives very good service and includes bearings for the centre sliding hinge.

There are 2 problems with these Hu Shan handles. One, you need a washer round each bolt between the handle and the door, otherwise the plastic arm that moves the lever gets stuck against the door. Two, the little plastic clip that secures the actuating rod is too big for the rod, so you have to re-use the old one or give the new one a good squeeze with pliers.