Replacing Door Handles And Locks

Introduction[edit]

This article describes the procedure for replacing the door handles and locks in your R31.

Wind your windows all the way up.
Pull the door trims off (as described in Door_trim_-Removal).
Pull the plastic film back off the door (if you have it still).
You will notice that on the front doors there are 2 rods connected to the handle along with 2 bolts. See the picture below. Just pull the plastic clips with your fingers back off the rods and slide the rods out the holes.

Grab your 10mm socket, extension and ratchet spanner and undo the two bolts. DONT LET THE BOLTS FALL! It’s a prick of a job to get them back!
Once undone, manoeuvre the handle to get it out the door frame. Take the front of the handle out first then have the lock mechanism come out last (while holding the handle open - like opening a door).

There you have it the handle is out.

Take your small flat head and take the small circlip off.
Use your flat head to get the first spring off by spinning it to unhook it from the lock barrel.
Take the second spring off. This is the spring that locks the barrel into the handle. Try to lift one side over the top. It hinges where the square part of the barrel is. Then pull hard to get it out.
The Barrel should slide out. If not put your key in and spin the key. It should come out easy though.

Exploded view of the door handle is below (Circlip is missing in picture):

Installation is a reversal of the removal procedures.

Contributors: DOOFIS