door latch clip repair DIY

[ScienceofSpeed]

As the NSX ages, little things break here and there, especially plastic parts that become brittle. One of the problems that some people have faced is part of the door handle latch breaking. The part in question is a small hinge that is spring loaded to aid in retracting the door handle when you let it go. Most of the load from the tugging of the handle is absorbed by this part. To my memory, these were plastic up to a certain year, later replaced with a metal unit. Unfortunately, the metal unit is not available separately from Honda, only as a component of the door latch assy ($300+ retail).

Kirk Johnson of the Sacto chapter went through the hassle and expense of having a replacement unit manufactured. I first saw this at NSXPO 01. This stamped steel part allows the brittle plastic part to be replaced. Kirk's replacement is an exact replica of the plastic piece.

Replacing the plastic unit is simple and shouldn't take more than 15 minutes once the door latch assy is removed from the door. Here's a brief summary of how to complete the repair.

Note: the previous owner of my 92 broke the handle, and ended up buying a new handle from the dealer, which already had the updated part. In this case, I'm doing the swap just for the heck of it since the door is already off.

1. Remove door latch assy per shop manual. Basicly, it involves removing sash covering 4 Phillips screws. Remove sash by pulling outward. Remove screws and disconnect electric harness for power locks. Turn latch assy over.

old part on latch with new part not yet installed

2. Remove spring with pliers

spring removed, screw covers removed

3. Peel off screw covers. These are trim pieces to hide the screws. Don't worry to much about them since they are on the bottom, and you can't see them when the door latch is replaced. Unscrew screws. Note they have some loctite on them.

4. Remove jesus clip from dowel pin. I found it easy to remove by using two probes to push it off the pin.

5. Remove dowel pin with pliers.

6. Remove old part, replace, and reinstall pin, clip, screws, and spring.

This is what you get:

I'd be happy to do anyone's replacement if you send me the door latch and the replacement clip. I'm sure Kirk will chime in if you're interested.

-- Chris


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[email protected]
http://www.ScienceofSpeed.com

 

[ACR_Motorsports]

For those that are interested in this piece, we have this same piece made in cnc billet aluminum. Will be up on our website soon.

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www.acrmotorsports.com

 

[Larry Bastanza]

First fo all, a big thank you to Kirk for this work. I guess we will have to call it the "Door Latch Fix-It Thingy" !!!!!!!!!


LarryB

 

[ScienceofSpeed]

We'll have them up on the site for $55.00, if you want them now, you can send an e-mail: [email protected]

These are being sold at cost, both SoS and Kirk are not making any money on them.

Cheers,
-- Chris

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[email protected]
http://www.ScienceofSpeed.com

 

[Michigan NSX]

Originally posted by ScienceofSpeed:
We'll have them up on the site for $55.00...

Each or per pair?

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'91 Black/Black

 

[SoCalDude]

Unfortunately, the metal unit is not available separately from Honda, only as a component of the door latch assy ($300+ retail).

Note: the previous owner of my 92 broke the handle, and ended up buying a new handle from the dealer, which already had the updated part. In this case.

Hey Chris,

If my door handle brakes, do I need the whole door latch assembly or just a new door handle latch clip?

 

[ScienceofSpeed]

Wow, a thread from the dead.

If your actual handle breaks, you'll need to replace the whole assembly However, most often, it is only the hinge itself that breaks. We offer these in 6061 T6 billet aluminum anodized black now:
http://www.scienceofspeed.com/products/interior_performance_products/NSX/ScienceofSpeed/door_repair/

take care,
-- Chris