[mattesonb]

so i absolutely hate the chrome door handles on my 2010 xt, i found the base model black handles on line for super cheap but i have no idea how to remove them once the inner door card is removed.

i looked at the front and rear door set up from inside and it looks insanely cramped and intricate.

please tell me some one has done this already

 

[RAPTR]

Check to see if the exterior handle is actually two pieces. I thought that the handle actually has a cover, it's not one solid piece. See if you can pop that off. I might be wrong but if that's the case then you could just paint that black instead of buying all new handles. Otherwise you have a fun project ahead of you. You would have to remove the door cards (easy), the plastic wrap and if you are lucky if you roll the window up you might be able to stick your hands up there to access the handle bolts. Also, the front doors have that honey comb white plastic piece, remove it and you should gain more access. If you can't get to the bolts then I'm sorry to say you will have to remove glass.

 

[whispers]

Sounds like a tough job, but I was looking at one in traffic yesterday thinking how it looked great, except for those #$%@ chrome handles. Hope it works out smoothly for you as it will be a great aesthetic improvement!!

 

[mattesonb]

Check to see if the exterior handle is actually two pieces. I thought that the handle actually has a cover, it's not one solid piece. See if you can pop that off. I might be wrong but if that's the case then you could just paint that black instead of buying all new handles. Otherwise you have a fun project ahead of you. You would have to remove the door cards (easy), the plastic wrap and if you are lucky if you roll the window up you might be able to stick your hands up there to access the handle bolts. Also, the front doors have that honey comb white plastic piece, remove it and you should gain more access. If you can't get to the bolts then I'm sorry to say you will have to remove glass.

i have taken off the door cards and looked at the handles from inside the door. they are accessible but very cramped. the handles aren't cover as the chrome is on the backside too. so i would have to replace them. the parts are cheap it more about getting them off and back on that i am worried about

 

[dpm]

You could always look in the service manual. It's available to download...

But if you haven't, I'll post some details from it later.

edit.

remove the black plastic plug from the door edge, undo Torx screw beneath.
Slide handle to the rear and out, to remove.
(the manual isn't clear, but I think there's a control cable or rod to disconnect on the inside too)

to remove the inner part of the outer handle assy, undo the Torx towards the front of the unit.

NB, the manual is emphatic about being gentle when removing the handle lest the door skin be damaged...

 

[mattesonb]

You could always look in the service manual. It's available to download...

But if you haven't, I'll post some details from it later.

edit.

remove the black plastic plug from the door edge, undo Torx screw beneath.
Slide handle to the rear and out, to remove.
(the manual isn't clear, but I think there's a control cable or rod to disconnect on the inside too)

to remove the inner part of the outer handle assy, undo the Torx towards the front of the unit.

NB, the manual is emphatic about being gentle when removing the handle lest the door skin be damaged...

Where can I get the manual?

 

[RAPTR]

i have taken off the door cards and looked at the handles from inside the door. they are accessible but very cramped. the handles aren't cover as the chrome is on the backside too. so i would have to replace them. the parts are cheap it more about getting them off and back on that i am worried about

#1

 

[mattesonb]

#1

i took a look that that sketch on the OEM catalog from subarugenuineparts.com

it makes it look waaay more simplified in the image, ill get a photo of the actual handle. it looks downright scary

 

[RAPTR]

i took a look that that sketch on the OEM catalog from subarugenuineparts.com

it makes it look waaay more simplified in the image, ill get a photo of the actual handle. it looks downright scary

LOL, that seems to be the case in a lot of things, lol.

 

[nelliot]

Dealership said that it takes an hour per door to change door handles ('09/'10)--at $100 an hour!

 

[mattesonb]

Dealership said that it takes an hour per door to change door handles ('09/'10)--at $100 an hour!

Damn. If I can figure out how to do one I'm sure I could get them all

 

[mattesonb]

the more i look at the back door the more i am thinking its not a possibility. most of the handle is hidden behind the inner door skin.

looks like chrome handles are here to stay

 

[NoelSibs]

Wouldn't the easiest way be to tape off the door and then paint the handle? My handles are not chrome. They are silver. On a black car they stick out!!! I think I will paint mine. good luck! Let us know if you get those handles off...

 

[mattesonb]

Wouldn't the easiest way be to tape off the door and then paint the handle? My handles are not chrome. They are silver. On a black car they stick out!!! I think I will paint mine. good luck! Let us know if you get those handles off...

well i think you may be right, my main concern with simply painting them was about them holding up to day to day use.

 

[mattesonb]

Finally Figured Out How To Get 09+ SH Door Handle Off! So Stoked!

i just finished the beginning of wrapping my FOZ again and finally just went for it and took off the door handle.

its actually pretty easy, though a bit annoying.

i will post a small tutorial soon.

 

[mattesonb]

i finally did it! actually pretty simple to do. i will post a tutorial soon!

 

[SubieOutlaw]

I'll be waiting for this. Subscribed.

 

[NoelSibs]

i finally did it! actually pretty simple to do. i will post a tutorial soon!

looking forward to the tutorial. if its simple enough... I'll do it too!