Removing & Re-Installing Exterior Door Handles
 

I've searched and seen a few threads on the subject, but figured some people may find it easier with a step by step with pics. So this is how to remove your exterior door handles in about 10 minutes.

Open your door, and remove this black rubber plug.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/fil...9-20_hdr-1.jpg


Next, remove this screw with a T-25 Torx bit. A steady hand...or magnetic bit will help keep from dropping the screw, but if you do...there is a rubber access hole at the bottom of the door. I dropped one and retrieved it without having to remove the interior door panel.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/fil...0-35_hdr-1.jpg


Now pull out the handle and the end cap will practically fall out.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/fil...2-19_hdr-1.jpg

https://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/fil...2-45_hdr-1.jpg


With the handle slightly pulled out, firmly but gently slide it towards the removed end cap. It will resist...then it will pop out. It will literally "pop" out when it releases...don't worry, you didn't break it...although it may have felt that way.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/fil...3-33_hdr-1.jpg

https://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/fil...4-01_hdr-1.jpg

Door handles removed! Now for me, prep & paint! :smile:

https://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/fil...1325612762.jpg


It started to rain shortly after I removed them (didn't think to check the weather...lol)...so I haven't gotten a chance to reinstall them yet. I'll post more pics tomorrow if it stops raining long enough for me to get them all back in. Also, info on how to open your doors easily with no handles. :D

Nice will do this to my hhr

Nice how to. :thumb:

X 3 :twothumbs:

nice how to that should open the door for alot of us to paint or swap out our door handles Thanks

Awesome writeup, Slide_Rite.

Is there any difference for the driver's door handle that has the keyhole in the cap?

Exterior Door Handle Reinstall
 

Reinstalled my door handles after painting them flat black. Here are pics of the install.

Oh, but first...here is how to open your doors with no door handles. Stick your finger inside to find the small black lever. Pull that backwards to open your door!

https://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/fil...16-1_thumb.jpg


First, have to clean the area before reinstalling.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/fil...20-1_thumb.jpg


Next, lay down your gasket. Be sure to press the rubber nubs into the black plastic and it will hold itself in place.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/fil...57-1_thumb.jpg


Now put the door handle back into the door flush with the gasket.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/fil...38-1_thumb.jpg


Slide the handle forward to snap it into place.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/fil...10-1_thumb.jpg


Now pull the handle out to reinstall the end cap. The handle holds it in place when released.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/fil...54-1_thumb.jpg


Now just reinstall the torx screw to secure the handle cap.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/fil...57-1_thumb.jpg


Much, much better like this. Glad to finally get it done.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/fil...dr-2_thumb.jpg

Thanks guys, glad to contribute.

Dracos - The removal & install is the exact same for all of the handles. The handles are even interchangeable. :D

I know the handles are interchangeable, I was wondering if the lock cylinder's presence made any difference for dealing with that cap.

Nope, it's exactly like the rest.