atreyu187

So I was recently gifted a Lexus ES300. I have to replace both front exterior door handles. I have it all apart ATM but there is a clip and rod in front of the second 10mm bolt holding in the door handle. I have unclipped the plastic clip from the rod but can't seem to get it pulled away to get at that last bolt. I don't want to break anything more trying to fix one thing as it was gifted to me by my GF after my last car had major issues. Anyhow does anyone know the rod I am talking about\? Its the bolt you cant get to with an extension.

I also was told the door rod clip was why the interior didn't work but upon inspection it seems it is the spring on the inner door handle that broke. Is it possible to get just the spring at a local parts store? I would like to knock all this out at once but I can wait if not and order the new handle from eBay as it is only $9 shipped.

DRACO A5OG

what year is the car?

Post a pic, might help. I know Toyota handles are a real PITA inside the door but if you can get it out partly, you have more leverage to unhinge that rod. I had to do this several times on my MIL's prius.

speedkar9

You've got to take the rod out from the outside of the vehicle, skip to 1:40 in my video here:

atreyu187

Got it sorted guys but thanks for the help. I am now tearing apart the front to redo the inner/outer tie rods, sway bar and ball joints. Then I ordered loaded front and rear struts. But both door handles are done on inside and out now. Once I finish this it goes into the shop to get the passenger side door repaired as some guy backed into me. I will have a nice new paint job and I got the shop to agree to spray the handles to matching color and repair the clear coat on the trunk. Gonna be a really nice ride once I am done. Car has 200,000 miles but was well taken care of motor wise as her mother gave me service records up to 160,000 miles. But once that guy backed into the passenger side door while it was opened while I was vacuuming it out my GF just went and bought a new Acura MDX thus gifting my her "Lexi" which I have always loved.