Land Rover Repair: Door Handles on my 1995 Disco, door latch, door hinges

Question
Hello,
I was hoping that you can help me.  My door handles for both of my front doors do not seem to pull enough to open them.  They are fine from the inside.  If I press firmly with one hand above the handle on the doorskin then pull it will open.  It is kind of embarassing when I go to open these doors.  Do you have any suggestions on what might help in this repair?
Thank you,
John

Answer
Hi John,

I too have had this problem.  Seems the 'hardened' plastic pushrods can become 'soft' with age.  (No jokes necesary)

The best fix is to purchase a new door latch and install.  I have heard some owners who scratch the plate that the pushrod presses against, but this fix seems more like a bandaide solution.

You'll have to remove the door panel and observe how your door latch operates.  I don't think it is adjustable, unlike the door lock.  Lubricating the linkages will only make things worse.

Someone wrote me once that the door hinges are the root of the problem and that they just shimmed them and it improved the latching process.  I'm not sure of this.

If you'd like a techsheet about the door (Rave), send me an email and I'll reply with the info.

Best of luck,

JohnMc

NB:  my passenger door (95 Disco) works well but my driver door handle sometimes does 'nothing'.  I replaced the latch 4 years ago and I think the problem is comming back.  I am thinking to replace the plastic pushrod with a metal one.