There may come a time when you attempt to open your door and notice that the handle simply moves freely, without engaging the release mechanism. Most likely what has happened is that the release hook has become detached from the handle lever. In some cases it is due to a small piece which anchors the release hook to the lever itself.
DeRail »
Well, my drivers side handle no longer operates the door. I took the handle out and the handle had become disconnected from the hook. There’s also a rubber piece with a dowel that I’m not sure how it all connects together — I checked Haynes but the closeup they had I couldn’t understand.
billofdurham »
This is the VADIS parts list. I have missed off the description to produce a clearer picture.
Part #42 is the link which hooks over the loop (not numbered but is immediately above part #28) on the inside of the door handle. The link is then connected to the lock, #1, at its bottom end. At the bottom there is a rubber bushing, part #3, which does look like a grommet, that fits into the latch. The link goes through a hole in a clip, part #2, into the bushing and the clip then fastens on to the link. The lower parts are shown more clearly in the Haynes manual.
One cause of failure of the link is the clip. I have seen instances of the clip coming loose, especially when work has been done inside the door. This allows the clip to move out of place and the link is only held in place by the bushing and eventually comes out.
DeRail »
There is a part that isn’t labeled in the diagram but it’s the pivot piece that anchors the hook to the handle mechanism. It’s made of a hardened plastic on my 88 and I believe the cause of my issues. I got a handle off of a 940 at the boneyard and I noticed that the design had improved! The piece was made of steel rather than hardened plastic, so if you require one of these replacements, your best bet is to grab one off of a 940. I’ll be replacing mine once the spring rolls around.
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Last Updated on August 6, 2026
