How Much Does It Cost To Fix Car Door Handle?

car Door Handle

Door handles are one of the most used and abused parts in a car. You use it every time you need to get in and out of your vehicle. No wonder they wear out quickly. But what happens when the handle breaks? How much will it cost to repair? Be prepared to spend $70 to $300 to replace the inside door handles, while repairing the outside door handles on your car costs about $115 to $541. The price also depends on the make and model of the car, labor costs, and ex-works. Continue reading this Door Handle Repair Cost Guide to learn more about handles and repair prices.

Vehicle Door Handle Parts Explained

To diagnose a faulty door handle, let’s first talk about the anatomy of a typical door handle and locking mechanism.

Often, what appears to be a broken handle problem may actually be a simple bent rod or actuator failure. So it’s valuable to spend some time learning about the parts so you know what to serve and what parts to order.

Interior Handle

Interior Handle

Of course, most vehicles have interior and exterior door handles. Internal handles are prone to failure because they are usually made of weaker materials than external handles. In addition, many vehicle designs have resulted in handles being used as door closing methods. This tension can cause extensive wear on the handle and lead to premature failure.

Diagnosing a broken interior handle is usually a simple process. When they are damaged, you can usually see the damage. The most common failure methods are snapping of the lever itself, or failure of the hinge base. In either case, if the interior door handles are visually faulty, you’ll need to look for a new unit.

Fortunately, modern cars love modular designs. This means that no matter which subcomponent fails, the entire mechanism needs to be replaced. The method of replacing the inner door handle depends on the specific vehicle. Usually, the removal steps are not obvious, but simple. For example, there are often hidden fasteners that must be removed. So the best practice is to research your specific vehicle. Repair almost any car or truck with manuals, model-specific forums, or online videos,

Exterior Handle

Exterior Handle

The exterior door handles are more rigidly constructed than the interior handles. Therefore, they are generally less likely to fail. However, the life of an outer handle is much more difficult in terms of exposure to dust, heat, and sunlight. It’s not uncommon for exterior handles to become brittle and crack, especially in cold climates. Alternatively, it is only through continued use that the material can fatigue and fail. The replacement procedure for removing and replacing the outside door handles is fairly simple. The exterior door handles are more rigidly constructed than the interior handles. Therefore, they are generally less likely to fail. However, the life of an outer handle is much more difficult in terms of exposure to dust, heat, and sunlight. It’s not uncommon for exterior handles to become brittle and crack, especially in cold climates. Alternatively, it is only through continued use that the material can fatigue and fail.

The Cost Of Fixing The Handle Of Your Car

The Cost Of Fixing The Handle Of Your Car

Knowing if your doorknob is broken or broken is simple. There may be cracks, loosening or chipping, or other visual impairment.

Thankfully, this part of your car is one of the least expensive parts to replace, and for those gifted, repairing damaged handlebars is fairly straightforward.

Of course, the cost of securing a door handle depends on various factors:

  • The make and model of the vehicle.
  • Who will replace them? Are you going to ask a professional to do this for you, or can you do it yourself? The mechanic charges an hourly fee, and it would be great if you (or someone you know) can help you replace it.
  • Where to buy doorknobs. Auto store prices vary widely from salvage or junkyard prices.
  • Which handle is broken? Exterior door handles cost more to replace than interior door handles.

Interior Door Handle

Inner door handles are cheaper because they are made of less durable materials than outer door handles. For mass-market economy cars, you can find handles for as little as $20. However, if you have a luxury car, be prepared to spend around $250.

You can keep costs down by finding used parts or try your luck at the salvage yard. These are great options and you’ll save a lot of money.

If you ask a mechanic to replace your inner door handle, you will incur an additional labor cost of about $50.

So in total, repairing a door handle can cost anywhere from $70 to $300. This includes the labor to replace the door handles and install them in the car.

Exterior Door Handle

Replacing an exterior door handle costs more because it’s made of a more durable material because it’s exposed to harsh environments.

If it’s the front door handle that’s damaged, it’s also more expensive because it involves the car’s locking mechanism.

Another factor is the paint or color of the door handle, as it should match the color of your car.

Replacement handles cost between $15 and $446. You’ll also need to add to the cost of paint and door locks if needed.

If you factor in labor costs, excluding the cost of lock replacements and paint jobs, you can expect to pay about $115 to $541.

How Do I Know When The Handle Should Be Replaced?

Typically, if you try to open a door and the door doesn’t swing, the doorknob is almost always the culprit. In some cases, rear door handles can break due to excessive use lack of lubrication, or excessive contamination found within the mechanism.

Is It Easy to Replace A Car Door Handle?

Easy is a relative word. Even if you’re mechanically inclined, it’s hard to replace exterior door handles. There are too many sensitive parts to deal with.

However, it’s easy to replace a car’s interior door handles. You just need to have the right tools, mechanical skills, and time for the job.

However, if you do not have this ability, it is best to entrust this task to your local mechanic. This will ensure you have a working door handle and save you the trouble of using other doors in the car to get in and out of the vehicle.

How To Prevent Broken Vehicle Door Handle Repairs

After fixing the door handle problem, the next question is how to prevent future failures?

The solution is to use the door handles as carefully as possible. Especially on cold days, the material can become brittle and more prone to failure. So be extra careful not to pull your hands too hard on winter mornings. Regarding the inside handle, never use the door handle itself to pull the door. This puts unnecessary stress on the handle, which the handle is not designed to handle. Instead, always use the door frame or designated handle to close the door.

Conclusion

Having a car with a broken door handle is an annoying and inconvenient situation. However, diagnosis only requires a few steps to follow. In most cases, door handle repair costs are an inexpensive and simple process. Be sure to take the time to study these sections. Despite all the inconveniences, a broken handle doesn’t have to be an expensive ordeal.

Tina Jones

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