How to Replace the Door Handles on your 97-06 Jeep Wrangler TJ

Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары

Shop Jeep Door Handles - www.quadratec.com/categories/jeep-doors-hardware/door-handles?
Shop Window Crank Removal Tool - www.quadratec.com/p/precision-replacement-parts/door-handle-window-crank-tool-prp-0749?
Shop S&B Silicone Tool Tray - www.quadratec.com/p/sb-filters/silicone-tool-tray?
Shop Door Panel Fasteners - www.quadratec.com/p/crown-automotive/6504014-door-panel-fastener-wrangler-tj-cherokee-xj?
In this episode of the Quadratec Academy, Rob installs new full steel door paddle handles on a 2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ Unlimited. Chances are, if you've got an older Wrangler TJ or LJ, your door handles are probably starting to look faded & rusty and they may not even be working correctly any longer.
Over the years, moisture can get behind the factory paddle handle, corroding the return spring and mechanism. Eventually the spring will break, causing a "floppy" handle that doesn't spring closed after you open your door. Fortunately, there are plenty of options when it comes to replacement door handles. Getting the old handles swapped out for some new paddle handles is a pretty easy job that doesn't even require any specialized tools, just a bit of "know how" to get it done. In this video, Rob will show some tips and tricks to hopefully make the process of replacing your door handles easy!
#jeep #wrangler #quadratecacademy
0:00 Intro
0:20 Job Overview
1:56 Required Tools
4:24 Window Crank Removal
5:12 Door Panel Removal
7:26 Door Panel Clip Replacement
9:43 Paddle Handle Removal
12:00 New Handle Installation
13:14 Door Lock Repair
14:48 Door Reassembly
17:28 Wrap Up

Пікірлер: 100

  • @rossdewbre6685
    @rossdewbre6685 Жыл бұрын

    Wow, he really, really skims right over the "we can go ahead and install those two gator pins...." without even a hint of how to get them in. By far the toughest part of the entire job. Really kills an otherwise excellent tutorial. I first was trying to get them in while holding the handle tight against the door, but there wasn't enough clearance to get them in parallel with the door/handle and then push them down. I found a combination of putting the front one in the handle in loose before putting the handle in the door and then pulling the handle away from the door a little while reaching in from the inside to line up and then drop the rear pin worked much, much easier.

  • @twofortyz1719

    @twofortyz1719

    Жыл бұрын

    The only reason I watched this video was for the gator pin install. Lol.

  • @Lifeofanrcaddict

    @Lifeofanrcaddict

    10 ай бұрын

    Total pain in the but

  • @twofortyz1719

    @twofortyz1719

    10 ай бұрын

    With a hole saw just drill a 1-1/2” hole and then slide the gator clip in and knock it down. Mint

  • @Lifeofanrcaddict

    @Lifeofanrcaddict

    10 ай бұрын

    The reinstall part of this video was terrible. 😆 also why does it seem like the door handles are in backwards? Just doesn't feel natural to me for them to go forward.

  • @pd1473

    @pd1473

    6 ай бұрын

    His knuckles aren't scraped up enough to have done this job. Takeoff was easy enough, installation of the forwardmost gator clip and cotter pin for the lock rod was tough. With the window rolled up, I drilled a 1" inch hole in the door near the cotter pin and forward gator clip. If you drill a hole, be cautious of not drilling into the window or other components of the door. I was able to get a flathead screwdriver through the hole to seat the clip, and view the area to get the cotter pin back in (I used curved needle nose pliers to put it in place).

  • @HereForAStorm
    @HereForAStorm2 жыл бұрын

    I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who had so much trouble with the gator clips. Moses!

  • @markwiseman7597
    @markwiseman7597 Жыл бұрын

    Informative video. I agree with others that setting the gator clips is a real challenge. With the clips in place, rolling down the window and "unclipping" the window seal at the door about half the length of the door gives access to put a screwdriver against the top of the gator clip. Then you can use a mallet to tap the screwdriver and push the gator clip into place.

  • @JoseMendoza-hope

    @JoseMendoza-hope

    Жыл бұрын

    I will try that tomorrow... thanks for that bit of info.

  • @brynecreekmore3570
    @brynecreekmore35703 жыл бұрын

    Well I’m going to tell it like it is…. Getting those gater pins back in aren’t as simple as he makes it sound. Everything else is pretty much straight forward. Just show how you got the gaters in tight enough to engage those small clips

  • @roctreese5371
    @roctreese53714 ай бұрын

    This is a very good instructional video. There's no bs talking about his dogs, family, etc, just straight to the point video on how to get the job done. Great job!

  • @craigb9119
    @craigb91192 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the video. Important to note the Quadratec door handles come with the gator clips on the handle - just slip the pins back down the sides. No need to try and salvage the old clips.

  • @robertwestall3456
    @robertwestall3456 Жыл бұрын

    Please read it’ll save you a headache. Great video, only two things to mention. First, the gator clips can be finagled into place and tightened from the top after rolling the window back down. Place a rag between the glass and whatever long screw driver your using to drive them home or tight. Roll the window back up to finish the install. Second, test the door handle lock mechanism before closing the door, very important. Use a screwdriver blade to get the mechanism to lock as if the door was shut. See if the outside door handle will open the door. If you don’t do this you may not get your door open with either the inside or outside handles effectively locking the door with no way to open it. There has to be positive back pressure on the rod going from the outside door handle to the opening mechanism. If there is any slack in that rod the mechanism will not open and if you’ve put the door cover back on and shut the door your in trouble. The only thing you can do to get the door open is to cut the hoop on the doorframe to open the door. I personally found this out the hard way on my 2000 TJ. Lots of cussing and had to buy a hoop. Make sure and adjust that rod so there is no slop in it.

  • @dpommerenck

    @dpommerenck

    Ай бұрын

    Great tip!!! 😂

  • @tylermericka4661
    @tylermericka46616 ай бұрын

    Best advice I can give is to pop out that outer window seal you can peel it back and see the 5 or so metal clips. Pop those out and the access is much much better.

  • @michaelweaver7683
    @michaelweaver76839 ай бұрын

    You Sir are a Sorcerer!…my passenger door lock hasn’t worked in 2 years..the “pearl” of wisdom about the PB Blast worked perfectly! Thanks a million!

  • @timothyfuhrman9307
    @timothyfuhrman9307 Жыл бұрын

    I love my 97 wrangler I bought it in 1999 30k miles.. I’m on my way back from the moon. The jeep has traveled 265934 miles and still moving on.. The engine has been replaced along with some other high used equipment, it’s still running great.. My door is now the problem and after watching your videos I was able the change out the lock latch door handle and interior door handle as well. Thank you for sharing and not saying that simple word “Easy “ Nothing easy when you have never tackled a project like fixing your jeep door. Ha This Is why I appreciate you!😉

  • @paulkaufman4901
    @paulkaufman49012 жыл бұрын

    Awesome demonstration for removing and reinstalling the door panel! I have always struggled with this thinking it is almost magic to get it back on! You made my work today So Much Easier!!

  • @cra1gf
    @cra1gf2 жыл бұрын

    That was fantastic. Thanks to everyone. The production was excellent. The information and the way it was presented was superb. Thank you!

  • @tripleseven8361
    @tripleseven83612 жыл бұрын

    Top notch, easy to follow, step-by-step instructions… Thank you!!

  • @arreya
    @arreya3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for this video! I've been meaning to replace the rusted handles on my '99 TJ!

  • @erikcaldwell2913
    @erikcaldwell29132 жыл бұрын

    I bet this guy never even gets frustrated at the most difficult jobs👊🤓👍

  • @oggearhound2242
    @oggearhound22423 жыл бұрын

    @12:57 why did you guys skip the details about putting those gator-pins back? seems like a key point to show us DIYers! BTW always lube locks and lock/latch mechanisms with SILICONE lube.. wd40 attracts and holds DUST which will gum it up. And while you're in there, lube the window crank mechanism and glass channels with SILICONE spray as well.

  • @Quadratec

    @Quadratec

    3 жыл бұрын

    At 12:00 Rob covers how to install the gator pins in the backside of the door handles. With it being so far up in the door, there's really no easy way to show it while actually putting them in place. Great advice with the Silicone lubricant for the door looks / latch and the window crank!

  • @Lifeofanrcaddict

    @Lifeofanrcaddict

    10 ай бұрын

    It involved cussing. 😆

  • @brisonpalmer6730
    @brisonpalmer67303 жыл бұрын

    Great video guys I’m having problems with my door locks on my 06 LJ now I know how to fix them.

  • @LowEndBCC
    @LowEndBCC11 ай бұрын

    That last cotter pin…. Putting it back in was so tough. I stripped a trim panel screw and lost or destroyed 9 cotter pins…. But I got it done! That you for this vid

  • @mattmurdock7919
    @mattmurdock7919 Жыл бұрын

    That's as well done as an part install video can be! Thank you!

  • @whitebeltfury1074
    @whitebeltfury10743 жыл бұрын

    genuinely what a fantastic video so much detail and nothing left to the imagination, i now feel confident to undertake this, thank you !!!

  • @Quadratec

    @Quadratec

    3 жыл бұрын

    Great to hear!

  • @scottwallace1332
    @scottwallace13322 ай бұрын

    The "cotter" pin replacement is the toughest part of the whole project, I relearned and used some of those adjectives getting the pin reinstalled. Otherwise great video. Thx. (BTW, mine is a 2000 TJ)

  • @Quadratec

    @Quadratec

    2 ай бұрын

    Yes, that cotter pin can be tough!

  • @lisadefrank
    @lisadefrank Жыл бұрын

    Would not have been able to replace my door handles without this video, thank you!

  • @frj1996
    @frj19963 жыл бұрын

    If only it was as easy to do as he makes it look. My paws barely fit in there and those alligator clips don’t go in as easy as it looks…

  • @oggearhound2242

    @oggearhound2242

    3 жыл бұрын

    oh yeah, i just watch the video and seen how he totally skipped the details on installing those gator-pins.. I've done a lot of door repairs in my life, but never this one. I knew immediately when he was showing how the gator-pin goes in, that it wasn't going to be easy.

  • @buccaneerbaytravel

    @buccaneerbaytravel

    Жыл бұрын

    Editing, my guess is they took the window out for the gator clips and the cotter pin. Neglect to mention or show that part

  • @roygrassinger7841
    @roygrassinger7841 Жыл бұрын

    Great video great 👍people working for you guys

  • @odoroussmegma2191
    @odoroussmegma21913 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Robert.

  • @RMVZ58
    @RMVZ58 Жыл бұрын

    great tutorial, thanks man!

  • @Jeeptalkshow
    @Jeeptalkshow3 жыл бұрын

    I would have rolled the window all the way up and position the window handle where it doesn't ride on your knee. :(

  • @mrvincentmontoya

    @mrvincentmontoya

    Жыл бұрын

    Yup!

  • @jodygarcia9892

    @jodygarcia9892

    Жыл бұрын

    That becomes one of those ill fix it later and later never comes

  • @dustinmcgill9622
    @dustinmcgill96223 жыл бұрын

    Need to replace mine and order a kick down cable from you guys

  • @DuelingTreeMike
    @DuelingTreeMike3 жыл бұрын

    Great video! I have an ‘06 LJ and would love to replace the handles and the inner door panels. Do you also have the door panels?

  • @jimmyvalhalla1939
    @jimmyvalhalla19392 жыл бұрын

    I want Quadratec to use their considerable stroke in the industry to get these door handles MADE OUT OF STAINLESS STEEL…

  • @rjsuper6587
    @rjsuper65872 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! I have new handles was dreading the install lol

  • @jontrudell7529

    @jontrudell7529

    Жыл бұрын

    How long did it take you to install them? You did install them by now haven't you? LOL

  • @timpeterson87
    @timpeterson872 ай бұрын

    I’ll be sure to wear my safety glasses too.

  • @Quadratec

    @Quadratec

    Ай бұрын

    Safety First!

  • @daniellaverty1359
    @daniellaverty13592 жыл бұрын

    He’s kinda right about removing door panel.. there is a tool for removing those retainers, and if you finesse the retainers, you can not only save them, but prevent a brittle door panel from cracking.

  • @tedwoe
    @tedwoe2 жыл бұрын

    So far all the videos I've watched on replacing the door handles seem to breeze right over the most difficult part...how to put the alligator shims and the cotter pin back into place without torching the Jeep, your house, and the neighborhood!!! I tried replacing the passenger side handle on my '01 TJ ...what a nightmare!! It turned into a 3 1/2 hr job. I ended up buying a pair of long needle nosed pliers that were curved on the end just so I could get a grip on the shims and pull them down snug. I got the right one in place, never could get the left one snugged down....there is absolutely ZERO maneuverability to put your hand up in there and grab anything. I think the only way I can do it is to cut out that rectangular shaped indentation on the inner door frame to allow me access.

  • @Jaskal33
    @Jaskal332 жыл бұрын

    After watching several tube videos …. Getting the gator pin in place with its retainer to drop in place isn’t as easy as it’s portrayed to be … I did have to ‘modify’ my gator pins …. So they dropped down far enough … and I’m still not sure the clip for them has dropped into the correct position on on of the gator teeth …

  • @jones_edition
    @jones_edition3 жыл бұрын

    Nice

  • @michelleharris8622
    @michelleharris8622 Жыл бұрын

    Have you made a video on how to replace a tailgate handle on a 2003 Jeep Wrangler? If not, a video would be much appreciated. Not sure how to disconnect the thin medal arm from the clip without damaging it. Thanks!

  • @redhusker58
    @redhusker58 Жыл бұрын

    It's not super difficult but in no way is it as simple as he makes it look. Just take your time and you'll get through it with no issues. The old paddles will no way fall out after removing them. Mine is a very clean '04 and getting those out was a bit tougher that I thought it would be. Hint, buy a pair of long right angle needle nose pliers before you start if you don't already have a set. Harbor Freight is a great place to pick them up cheap. I already have a pair and they really came in handy sliding the gator pins back in and securing them, mainly due to the working height. Only thing I would recommend if your tall like me (6'5") take the door off and lay it on a work bench or table to do the work. Would have been much easier for me. I bought the window crank tool and worked just as described. I've already used it for some other projects so not a waste of money.

  • @vettdog
    @vettdog2 жыл бұрын

    Can you swap these square door handles to a newer model doorhandle?

  • @waunm128
    @waunm1282 жыл бұрын

    Is the same install for the half door paddle lock version for 2004 tj?

  • @JoseMendoza-hope
    @JoseMendoza-hope Жыл бұрын

    Extremely helpful! Thanks to this video replacing the door handles in my wrangler was easy.

  • @robgirantino8843
    @robgirantino884310 ай бұрын

    What size/kinda screws hold the door panel and the grab handle on

  • @LoggyTonight
    @LoggyTonight2 жыл бұрын

    Anyone know if you can put modern handles instead of the paddle handles ? Not a big fan of them

  • @robhdez5048
    @robhdez50482 жыл бұрын

    Hi, great job. Do you have the part # for panel clips that would fit a '98 TJ, or will the ones used in this video work? Thanks!

  • @Quadratec

    @Quadratec

    2 жыл бұрын

    The ones in this video should work: www.quadratec.com/p/crown-automotive/6504014-door-panel-fastener-wrangler-tj-cherokee-xj do yours look the same?

  • @bajadan6441
    @bajadan64412 жыл бұрын

    I just sanded them down - taped a round them - painted the with black rustoleum ....

  • @Quadratec

    @Quadratec

    2 жыл бұрын

    That's a great way to improve their cosmetic appearance, but it the return spring or internal mechanism is broken spray paint won't fix the problem. Glad it worked for you though!

  • @skeetermartini
    @skeetermartini2 жыл бұрын

    Could you guys do “how to change door locks”. All the videos out there are crap quality and I feel like you guys could do a great video on that.

  • @kidgokuxl
    @kidgokuxl3 жыл бұрын

    Whatever happened to project Pearl Jam? Does it still have the supercharger on it?

  • @jerrywhalen2100
    @jerrywhalen21003 жыл бұрын

    Do you have a video on replacing the weather seal around the side windows on a TJ. the bottom window seal is rolling over when i crank the window down

  • @dustinparrish8453

    @dustinparrish8453

    3 жыл бұрын

    Try using a car polish to keep the window seal from sticking to the window “New Finish” brand car polish, it also works on windshields to keep the wipers from jumping and squeaking.

  • @jerrywhalen2100

    @jerrywhalen2100

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Dustin I'll give it a shot

  • @MarsViolet
    @MarsViolet Жыл бұрын

    Were the Quadratec-brand replacement door handles used in this video?

  • @CaptainKenny696
    @CaptainKenny6962 жыл бұрын

    Couldn't you install the rod and cotter pin before inserting the handle?

  • @lisaengland1048
    @lisaengland1048 Жыл бұрын

    Ooh I can't wait to take apart my new jeep door panel. There 20,years old . The lock is sloppy . Hard to open. 💚Get clips . And I can reach my tiny hand in there to put the rod back on . And not forget the washer . 😂😂. Ya know . I'm new at jeeping . . Jeep is nessary. In jeep county. Mud abundance.😳😳😳😳. It's made for mud right .?.

  • @eastons22126
    @eastons2212611 ай бұрын

    This video does a good job explaining the process but as everyone else said, those gator pins are a nightmare. 1. it’s difficult to get them in place and 2. Locking them takes an act of God. I have medium large hands so by no means giant. I assume many wrenchers have large hands. So to get in there itself is so cumbersome but even if you manage to get them in place the act of pulling them down into lock is challenging, you can basically get a single finger to get leverage and then you need to push the handle from the outside to make sure it’s tight against the frame and then you need to press on the inside of the door to counter the outside pressure. That’s at least 3 pressure points. So why don’t you just say that you need a second person to help? I actually got a 2 by 4- propped it against my front tire and wedged it against the new door handle to act like a second person, and then used my shoulder against the door- which had the weather strip goo, then of course I’m sticking my arm in there blind at a weird angle and even then it wouldn’t budge. I tried a pick- didn’t work. I made finger armor where I wrapped my finger in duct tape and then taped a penny for additional strength- I’m not kidding- I might patent that- if it worked. I fabricated a long pull device that was about a foot long with a hook on the end so I could pull using my entire arm strength- no joy. Perhaps I’m a big puss. I was aggravated like so many others. I then searched for other videos and found them no better- and then I thought- man I wish I could push down but the dang window is in the way… THAT is the quickest solution. Find a video on how to remove the window in 10 minutes and push the pins down from above. Once I removed the window it took 30 seconds to push each gator pin into place. When I did the opposite door I was able to easily remove and replace the cotter pin, easily place the new gators, and was easily done start to finish in literally half an hour. Gotta remove the windows or you will be an angry Jeeper.

  • @davidb1132
    @davidb11322 жыл бұрын

    I’ve tried replacing my wife’s drivers side handle twice now (two different handles), and neither worked. It looked liked the rod that is pulled up with the cotter pin, wouldn’t pull up far enough. I had NO issues with the passenger side door handle though. Any thoughts?

  • @jontrudell7529

    @jontrudell7529

    Жыл бұрын

    LUBE it up! Did you ever get it figured out and fixed?!?

  • @Laugh1ngboy
    @Laugh1ngboy2 жыл бұрын

    use a rag to remove window cranks.

  • @bobbybyers9733
    @bobbybyers9733 Жыл бұрын

    It provided a lot of information thank you now I need to know what all parts to replace all the parts except the rods text me please with a parts list and names screws for panel also thank you so much

  • @rpe7418
    @rpe74182 жыл бұрын

    There's an entire mechanism on this handle assembly where the panel opens that doesn't exist on my 2001 tj

  • @Jaskal33
    @Jaskal332 жыл бұрын

    This is pretty much a key element to getting these things in correctly …. No videos have enough of this close up ‘action’ to show how they should sit and be … new weather seals obviously create a bit more pressure … but where is the clip against the gator supposed to sit … I could barely get the gator in to the first notch on the clip after modifying the gator…

  • @jontrudell7529

    @jontrudell7529

    Жыл бұрын

    Do you have an update, how did it work out for you?

  • @tomhubbard353
    @tomhubbard3533 жыл бұрын

    I HATE my TJ paddle handles! They are backwards as to how they should be! Does anyone know of a company that has a handle that opens in the opposite direction? I have been contemplating how to fabricate handles that work correctly, but It's a LOT of time, trial and error so I have not done it.

  • @skully1405

    @skully1405

    2 жыл бұрын

    They are designed that way on purpose, so they won't catch on anything on the trail and pop the door open.

  • @tomhubbard353

    @tomhubbard353

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@skully1405 That sounds more like urban legend. The handles could have been oriented like the half doors in a downward position and they would be WAY better! It would be rather magical to see a stick or some other trail obstacle get in behind the paddle, pry it open and not destroy the door it's self. I am contemplating removing them completely and grafting in some from a JK. Weld a "divit" into the panel like on a JK, basically make the door look exactly like a JK using JK parts. But I have not been inside of a JK door yet to see if I can adapt the"throw" to the TJ.

  • @BerniesBastelBude
    @BerniesBastelBude2 жыл бұрын

    i'm wondering how to get the cutter-pin in again? -> 13:08

  • @joejoyce5966

    @joejoyce5966

    4 ай бұрын

    Cotter pin

  • @BerniesBastelBude

    @BerniesBastelBude

    4 ай бұрын

    @@joejoyce5966 cotter pin cutted into my finger

  • @etrangersatgmailcom
    @etrangersatgmailcom Жыл бұрын

    nice tutorial, I'm just wondering why I almost had to call the surgeon, I cut my hands ;)

  • @kyleharris3
    @kyleharris35 ай бұрын

    Why didn't you show us the 3hours it took you to get the wedge back into the groove on either side of the handle?

  • @Quadratec

    @Quadratec

    5 ай бұрын

    Hey, Rob's a pro! (ok, maybe it took him a few tries) 😂

  • @robertbennett6126
    @robertbennett6126 Жыл бұрын

    That small cotter pin is a bitch to get back in. Everything else is pretty easy. Edit: That cotter pin holding the locking bracket can come up through bottom hole, instead of trying to go in through the top hole. Stupid, should’ve thought that 2 hours ago.

  • @12Bravojeepstuff
    @12Bravojeepstuff3 жыл бұрын

    Looks like my wife's LJ.

  • @oscarbear7498
    @oscarbear7498 Жыл бұрын

    I tried doing this and broke my door :/

  • @chrissmith7364
    @chrissmith73643 жыл бұрын

    This is a great video to post! 👍 Only thing is, your about 6 years too late 😄

  • @rickbailey8697
    @rickbailey8697 Жыл бұрын

    Come on. How did you get the Alligator clips in??? Impossible. You just glossed over it. No way you just popped them in LIES 😢

  • @richardblazek4780
    @richardblazek47803 жыл бұрын

    Sorry, can't watch info mercials

  • @jontrudell7529

    @jontrudell7529

    Жыл бұрын

    Ur 🌈 AF!!!

  • @vocalchords88
    @vocalchords88 Жыл бұрын

    Extremely misleading. Don't even try to do this unless you want to end up in an insane asylum.