Has anyone ever taken out a door lock mechanism for a GEN3? Need some help!

[blueapple]

Hello!

I just bought a replacement outside door handle for my 96 Camry. Upon inspection, I've noticed that one of the thread for the door lock itself ( two of them that holds the lock in place) isn't facing the same direction as the other one is, it's twisted to one side slightly. The way the plastic look, it could either be a defective part, or just a cheaper way to achieve that tilt. This is aftermarket part, not OEM of course.

I found some pictures for GEN4 lock, and they do look like there's an angle between the two threads... but can't find any definitive images for GEN3.

Is this normal? I need this vehicle daily, and would not want to leave everything open for a week or two to get replacement part.

Thanks for your help!!

[BMR]

Yeah, I've replaced an exterior handle on my Camry. I just went and looked at the old OEM handle (I kept it just in case the non-OEM new part was crappy and broke.)

There are three threaded inserts. The two that are furthest apart are "straight". The third one is angled slightly inward and downward.

[Camry LE 94]

Originally Posted by blueapple

Hello!

I just bought a replacement outside door handle for my 96 Camry. Upon inspection, I've noticed that one of the thread for the door lock itself ( two of them that holds the lock in place) isn't facing the same direction as the other one is, it's twisted to one side slightly. The way the plastic look, it could either be a defective part, or just a cheaper way to achieve that tilt. This is aftermarket part, not OEM of course.

It's fine and it's not defective. They all come like that. I've changed my outside door handle twice.

[blueapple]

Thank you so much! Phew, no need to send it back.