Remove/Replace Door Handle Connecting Rod?

[Seattle206]

1998 Camry LE front passenger door: outside door handle wont open can only be done so using the inside door handle. Took off door panel and found out the connecting rod to open fell off the hole of the outside door handle. I noticed that the clip around the rod end is cracked off so that means I have to buy a new rod.

I tried removing the rod but couldnt figure it out. So does anyone here have a diagram or a DIY to remove/replace this part. Is there a part#?

Many thanks!

[JonathanJ.]

I too want to know.

[rusty9]

you can buy replacement clips at any auto parts store. they usually come in an assortment pack. to install them, just insert the clip into the proper hole, then insert the rod then rotate the clip so the "c" section clips onto the rod.

I know it sounds easy, but its usually a pain trying to get your hands in there, unless of course you have tiny girl hands...or access to a tiny girl...

[ajkalian]

Originally Posted by rusty9

I know it sounds easy, but its usually a pain trying to get your hands in there, unless of course you have tiny girl hands...or access to a tiny girl...

No kidding. I had to replace my door handle when it broke because of stupid Toyota design.

When I got the door apart I was greeted with more stupid Toyota design by them putting the access hole to get to the parts for the door mechanism in a position 2 inches lower than it should be, and positioned so as to guarantee your hands will be cut and bleeding when you finally get it un-clipped and clipped back in place.

To make things more aggravating there is an access panel at the bottom of the door that is held in by 3 or 4 screws. It comes right off for easy access to the window regulator (??) . Why they didn't put one where the latch mechanism is located, is just beyond me.

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