1995 - 2002 OBS GM Fullsize Truck Replace Repair Broken Outside Door Handle (Chevy Cadillac & GMC)

In this video we'll do the repair / replacement to fix a broken outside door handle for any old body style (OBS) GM full size trucks for the front row door. Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC full size models only. Applicable to Escalade Suburban, Silverado, Sierra, Yukon, Tahoe, W/T, Cheyenne models across Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, and Holden. GM part numbers are provided.
The vehicle shown is a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban K1500 with power door locks and windows. This procedure for the front row doors will be the same for all the vehicles in these 95 96 97 98 99 and some GMT400 series OBS carry over 2000 2001 and 2002 years, but those without power windows will have different equipment than what I've shown. The parts are the same for the rear row doors, but the disassembly details are different.
The eBay and Amazon search links below are paid links, for which I may be compensated and earn a commission, if you choose to buy the parts and tools shown in this video thru them:
GM part numbers (LH 15742229 and RH 15742230 on eBay: ebay.us/mVA5pz or amzn.to/3opZTgN (LH) amzn.to/3qEcRto (RH)
Replacement door handle outer trim bezel (LH and RH in four different interior colors) NEUTRAL/TAN 15708087 15708088 BLUE 15708081 15708082 RED 15708085 15708086 GRAY 15708079 15708080: ebay.us/rwVk9N
White nylon trim retaining clips shown GM 15960325: ebay.us/L1Igo3 or amzn.to/3oq2MOA
Model years 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 mainly, but also some 2000 2001 and 2002 year carry over trucks that still used the OBS body GMT400 design.
And if I've saved you some $$ here, consider some coins for the coffee tip-jar! ko-fi.com/drshock
Chapters:
0:00 - Repair overview
1:22 - Door trim removal
4:14 - Door panel removal
5:26 - Inner shield removal
7:30 - Disconnect rods
8:26 - Window track removal
9:50 - Handle assembly removal
12:52 - Handle assembly installation
16:42 - Door latch removal
21:07 - Door latch reinstallation
21:13 - Reassembly & tips
#drshock #suburban #obstruck #obstrucks
Disclaimer: DrShock, the alias for the human content creator for this KZbin channel, is not responsible for any damages, injuries, losses, or liabilities associated with any repairs, upgrades, or maintenance performed on yours, or any other, vehicle whatsoever. No warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of any information provided within this channel. Viewing and using the “as-is" information of this channel is totally at your own risk. Always wear personal protection equipment and follow appropriate vehicle manufacturer service manual guidelines with original manufacturer parts only when performing any repairs, upgrades, or maintenance upon any vehicle.

[@mrchevyguy92]

I have to say this is hands down the best video on how to perform this handle replacement NO MUSIC👍 and step by step instructions very accurate and helpful very well done video and instruction definitely know what your doing👌

[@anthonybrison1922]

Thank you sir so many videos and you were the only one to show where the door latch rod goes 1000 Thank youse

[@nukemk9042]

Amazing video. Just changed both handles in my 92 chevy. Love how there is not bullshit music in the video, just amazing information 👌 👍 👏

[@Fony_turgeson]

What a breath of fresh air. Not to hear annoying obnoxious music over every Montague

[@davidreal7875]

This video REALLY helped me with this same issue today with a 93 GMC Yukon. I was struggling with it and Thank God I found your video. Thank you for all your details and pointers!!!

[@brentsanderson6566]

Friend, you got my dad and i thru a very frustrating repair w/ much assistance. Thanks a million

[@sweetkellymay]

Anyone find themselves, trying to look around the corners, in the tight shots.. Best door handle video out there.....thanks..

[@davidreal7875]

I'd also like to add, the whole reason I was dealing with this issue was because the "body shop" that painted my truck didn't do this right. So Good Job to you, and thanks again!

[@majordickhardin7746]

I've been involved in some professional training videos and I have to tell you...you are a natural at this. Every minute of your video was well done and necessary. Kudos!

[@robertocastillo2260]

Excellent explanation, the most clear video on KZbin for this job. Thanks!!! Greetings from Chile.

[@00pmeza01]

I did this for a customer today and didn't have to completely remove the metal backing or disconnect any rails. Simply remove panel, insert 10mm socket with extension thru the metal shield to remove rear bolt then, from outside of side door is another 10mm bolt. Remove exterior side bolt then carefully wiggle the door handle out by inserting key in the cylinder and turning to the right to be able to remove the door handle in one piece. Then change out connections from old to new, then repeat all backwards. 10-15 minutes top

[@aryaesthetics8357]

thank you for this got it done today instead of putting it off for another month!

[@EJKelly3]

I have to agree there’s an access hole in the inner metal door panel that allows a socket to get to the bolt

[@marktirado2809]

THANK YOU!!!!!! seriously, I've been studying this video for a week now got the parts and put these instructions to play and BAM!!!! It's works again no more jumping over seats again thank you my friend.

[@Richard-nb4iv]

I'm about to do this when the part arrives this week. Thought I'd watch this to avoid frustration. Thanks for sharing!

[@00pmeza01]

Don't remove metal backing!!!! You can access the interior bolt on door handle thru an opening in metal plate with 10mm socket and extension.

[@00pmeza01]

Do all work with window up.

[@williamjacobs4274]

I've watched a few other videos on replacing outside door handles and locks as have this job to do on one of my trucks. Hands down this is the best one I've seen. You covered it all and did the job right. It's not how quickly you can get it done or tricks for not having to the job right. You're video is the best thank you. Keep making diy videos great video. Thanks again.

[@tempocrazed]

I've been putting off doing this on my 98 Suburban Diesel for years and just being really careful with it. Now that I've seen you video with good instructions I think I'm ready to tackle this project.

[@jvgilyard1126]

Best video by far on doing this. The hardest part is getting the rods done and every other video doesn’t show that part. 👍

[@Justone-xo3jd]

Thats what I liked also

[@MrBowNaxe]

Revisiting this one Doc.. Watched it when first posted to fix my '97 Suburban. Fast forward to today and I'll be tackling the one on my '99 Suburban tomorrow. Thanks for the great videos as always. Best videos out there!

[@curtfreeman8632]

Thanks again Doc! Replaced the outer passenger side door handle today. Your video saved me a lot of head scratching. Thank you for posting!

[@Justone-xo3jd]

THANK YOU , rod was the thing I needed to figure out , GREAT ATTENTION TO DETAIL

[@Justone-xo3jd]

Merry Christmas buddy

[@condeerogers5858]

I have three handles to replace. One on my 98 Tahoe and two on my 96 Silverado. I am not looking forward to this, at all. But I will be able to replace my speakers at the same time. That's a good thing. Thanks for the video.

[@eltigretejano7137]

Though about replacing mines with some new ones, now I know exactly what to do, thanks for this great how to video!!!!

[@zenfiretrading3848]

Bare foot tribe for life! Great video! And great channel, really nice c1500 videos for my 96 Silverado! 375k miles all original 4.3L and 4l60e and still going strong!

[@richardportess2016]

What a great video! Really good attention to detail and helped me a lot replacing a handle on my 96 chevy c2500 over here in UK. 20 mins to remove door panels, unplug harnesses, remove window from tracks etc, then took a couple of hours to detach and reattach rods, but got there in the end 😆

[@verticalgambit]

Thank you. I have to do this to my driver's side door on my 99 Suburban.

[@IMJUSTBILLUNO]

Nice job/video. I’ll be changing out all the handle, latch, and latch bolt this weekend. Thanks for the information. I just hope mine goes as good as yours did. 👍🏻😁

[@jdinnis]

Thanks for this video, I have the exact same issue and this was very helpful in the repair process. One tip for you. You can remove the Window/door lock/speaker assembly form the inner trim panel before you pop it off the door. It is a lot easier to deal with the wiring connectors that way. If you watch at 4:34 you nearly put one of those retainer posts through your speaker while fiddling with those wires.

[@DrShock]

Thanks, I mention about this risk in the video. But I've found it easier to either remove the white nylon post(s) or just leave it be as you saw me do. These trucks are getting old now, its far too easy for the aged plastic for the power lock/speaker wiring connectors or mount points to break off. Just be careful for sure as those speakers are discontinued now!

[@williamhaskett6772]

Great video. Didn't leave the hard parts out, like some I've seen 😊

[@Jimicruz34]

Thank you for the detailed process on the door rods. I'm missing the cylinder lock clip on my passenger door. Several other videos I watched skipped this part. Like my father says, "The time it takes, is the time it takes" thank you. After a $3 dorman clip @ Zone and watching this video, I'm able to use my passenger lock cylinder again. I don't have a remote fob either. Thanks

[@DrShock]

Thanks, alot of times I do more disassembly than is required in order to get the camera access to show all the little details for just the reason you encountered. ;-)

[@richardmoreno1338]

Thank you #DrShock, took everything apart as discribed in video and everything was going well until it was time to install the new door handle. Putting those rods back in was a tussle. I Never did this before. Me and my son Where doing this, It was a mind Bender Only because of those 2 rods Keyhole and door handle. Finally after Both rods were put back into their slots And testing that everything worked, we were able to reassemble the door panel everything worked great Thank You so much for your informational video...keep on teaching!

[@MrSarge99]

Those two rods are a bitch, especially the one for the lock.

[@nmartin5551]

Great video! Thanks for the attention to detail!! Doing new cylinders and handles. You have increased my chance of success!

[@apeacefulgrower]

How did you know mine was broken too??? Lol. This was a really helpful video ,thanks for sharing.

[@XqeDiosxqe]

By far your video is the best.....from start to end very informativo. Thank you sir, you save me a lot of broken pieces.

[@st0lencontent]

Worked on my 06 GMC Sierra 1500 extended cab. Thank you

[@mickonanisland4281]

Great video, unfortunately for me I replaced mine the day before I saw this. I did not think of removing the latch bolts and struggled for a long time with the rods, eventually got it installed .would have helped me immensely to have seen your video before.

[@richardesquibel4222]

Wow thank you. Best video I've seen so far. Step-by-step I like it 😎👍

[@justaguynamedme8337]

Excellent video!!! Made the job much simpler!!!

[@rodneykandel3162]

Hello. I am replacing my door handle today and appreciate the video. For sure. Thank you. I don't know if you know this or not but Amazon sells metal door handles instead of plastic ones. They seem to have good reviews and seem well built. And I used to have a 90's Chevy with the same or similar handles, and the broke alot. Just thought I'd let you know in case you guys wanted to try it

[@Bigknucklesandhands]

Thank you for this, I have to do both on my pickup 👍🏼

[@patrickjohnson7801]

I found if you have the glass separate from the regulator wheels just rotate the glass to the front of the truck and lift it out and set it aside. You can leave the lock in the door by tilting the old Handel and put a small screw driver in the bottom and pull the handle out. You won't have to touch the lock rod

[@ryanburbridge]

Awesome mine from 94 is still going strong lol. You must have that monster grip. I do need to replace the hinge pins and stiker

[@chrisstockert7926]

Great video for us do it yourselfers! Thank you for being detailed and brief. .

[@joestone2068]

Thanks Doc your video was very helpful to me I never changed one of these before it is quite the workout though but after watching your video you pointed out a lot of very important tips thank you so much Buddy Joe

[@Monglomon]

thankfully i have a manual crank window XD by passing quite a bit of this

[@user-wk8kl2oh1v]

Great video

[@MrRoy-rb1je]

Outstanding!

[@MakinEndsMeet69]

Man this was really good video very explanatory on the way to do this correctly. Thank you so much

[@JuanSilva-sk5xs]

Thank you Sir 🤙

[@DanielIliev]

Very good video

[@Santino0560]

Very good video thanks bud

[@dennislock3415]

Wonder how big a bonus the engineer gets for coming up with this Rube Goldberg crap,wondered the same thing when trying to change the roter and cap on my 96 chevy pickup today.Good video by the way still haven't got mine back together(driverside door handle).

[@dennislock3415]

Working on the door handle two weeks after the distributor.

[@LUTZRICH6487]

Test fit the lock, before you reinstall, make sure it locks in place. Did my drivers side three times, only to have the lock push into the door . But a little filling and you should be good to go..

[@niss63]

Very thorough. Good job on the video.

[@lyallfairburn1275]

Awesome video and very detailed.

[@wecu4dk]

Thank You for posting!!!!

[@johntamulonis4626]

Great video!

[@mikepks]

You R Awesome. God Bless.

[@gilwoode]

Great video. I have a couple inside hadles that i have to replace and a worn out hinge on my passenger door. (1999 suburban)

[@CentralCanada]

Thanks for this very descriptive video ! Does it always seem to be that exterior (exposed to the elements) inner oblong ring of plastic molding that fails in these door handles ? Plastic moldings that subsequently gets worse till it pulls right out with only likely the linkage(s) holding it in place.

[@DrShock]

Yes, that's a common failure symptom for this part.

[@nighthawkj30A4]

Ok good you don’t have to drill the rivets out to remove the Inter panel. Seen bunch of people do that.

[@gdub2485]

Dang, you didnt show how to put the window lifting arms back into place.

[@DrShock]

They just slide back on the same way we took them off. Be sure the rollers are in the grooves.

[@Obsnano]

😩after watching this i dont know if i should even order these chrome handles

[@scottthompson6885]

Dr.Shock I have been needing to do mine as well for a while. I tried every way for 2 days without taking the window loose. I see I'm not the only one having to use a 2x4 to hold up the window. By the way how long did cut the 2x4? I forgot I'm doing one for another vet. I mentioned I had done mine so.... now I get to do another one.

[@DrShock]

I didn't cut the board specific for this, I just keep a scrap pile for such uses and found one that would get me the needed clearance safely. My tools range from specialized ones costing several hundred dollars each, to basic scrap wood and metal pieces ;-)

[@scottthompson6885]

@@DrShock Thanks DR. Love your videos!!! I'll be trying the gauge repair/replacment next.

[@rudychavira5558]

Wow great video I didn't think it was something I would take on thanks much, 1 dumb ques can you leave window up without causing more problems?

[@DrShock]

You have to lower the window to disengage the track like I showed, otherwise you won't have the access you need. And then you can prop it up out of the way with a piece of lumber or such.

[@viipsrvs1]

Awesome video! Do you have a video pertaining to the power mirrors on a 98 Chevrolet Silverado. My mirrors do not move when I use the up/down left/right switch on the drivers side door panel. I noticed there is a relay in back of the glove compartment but dont know if it would be that. Thank you in advance!

[@DrShock]

I don't have a video on that, though I did have a mirror switch go out on me some years back. Relay would be for heated mirror feature, if you had it. Each power mirror has two motors (up/down and left/right) so kinda rare for all four to go at once so I'd suspect the switch or its harness. Check for power at the switch connector harness with a test lamp from orange pin to black pin first. If you have power, I'd strongly suspect the switch itself personally.

[@viipsrvs1]

@@DrShock Thank you! I will try that out.

[@joesphpeixoto8663]

hey dr shock, what if i wanted to replace the lock too thats in the handle? Because it doesnt turn anymore when I put my key in it.

[@DrShock]

It's possible to swap it out while you have everything apart yes, but I don't have a video on that repair yet.

[@Zombmn]

Could you swap the stock handle for the HD handles tat came on the dumbody style trucks?

[@DrShock]

Not something I've personally tried but I wouldn't expect them to fit without customization, different mount points, size, etc.

[@carlosherrera8541]

Good video! How did you get it the where I watched it without ads and in chapters?

[@DrShock]

Thanks. I recently added support to these older videos I had for the new chapters feature. Hopefully gets more subscribers ;-) Ads is probably just January as there's few advertisers after the December holidays spending. Certainly ad monetization is important to the channel in order to make it worthwhile to take the time to record these repair videos.

[@carlosherrera8541]

Yes it was well worth it and very helpful 😎

[@ericbarthelemy190]

Can we add a central locks system with remote control?

[@DrShock]

I'm not sure what you're asking here, this video is about replacing a manual door handle.

[@slalomking]

A great video, thanks. Does that GM part last longer than aftermarket in your opinion?

[@DrShock]

Thanks. OEM parts will always have better fitment, and be of higher quality. But they will also cost more, in some cases significantly more. But that old adage _you get what you pay for_ applies to automotive parts more than anything else imo. Don't pay GM dealership prices, find genuine GM parts on eBay using the links in the description.

[@slalomking]

@@DrShock thanks for your reply. I purchased one from Napa, I’ll let you know how it fits. The GM one is now $67, Napa was $32. The old 97 Suburban has 230k on it, first time this has happened, It is garaged which may help.

[@slalomking]

Update. The Napa Dorman door handle went in fine. It is plastic, the GM one originally was metal. Dr. shock you had the best and most detailed video on this job. Thanks for the great inside door shots. It made the job go so much smoother. I cannot see how other people that made videos on this subject change this handle without removing the inner panel for clip access.

[@joshuaglasscock5078]

If you have any tips my truck the inside handle is broken and the outside how do I get the door open to fix the handles

[@DrShock]

If both handles are broken, your best bet imo is thru the outside as you would have to cut a hole thru the inner door trim otherwise (inside door trim panel is easily replaceable from a salvage yard donor though). If you can get to the actuating rod with some long nose vice grips, you can pull it up manually to open the door.

[@IMJUSTBILLUNO]

1 Question….. Do you have to remove the window track to replace the door latch part that the door handle rod goes into? I’m replacing both the handle and the door latch parts. Thanks for any help you have.

[@DrShock]

It's been a few years since doing one of these, but as best I recall you can get the latch itself out without removing the track. Tight fit to get in there though.

[@IMJUSTBILLUNO]

@@DrShock thanks …. You made it look a lot easier. 👍🏻😁

[@rbhusana]

Harbor freight free flashlight

[@DrShock]

;-) They don't last long, even with replacing the batteries, but I buy enough from there I always get me some free light.

[@420BLUNTLEY]

My door won’t lock from the inside or the outside with a key. It’ opens and everything fine. But I keep stuff inside my truck and need it locked. Can you help me? What could be problem

[@DrShock]

You would have to remove the interior trim panel to diagnose this. It could be that the actuator rod has come off the lock cylinder, or that the lock cylinder needs to be replaced. Impossible to say from just this info.

[@desserttree]

i have a 95 gmc that has oil leak and either motor or transmission problems. Is it worth keeping and fixing?

[@DrShock]

Really depends on what those repairs are, and whether you can address them yourself to remove the labor costs. What would put a 1995 in the salvage yard imo, is not the parts cost but the labor. A general rule is when the repair costs in any given year exceed 1/2 the resale value, you scrap the vehicle. Of course, that rule isn't used when there is sentimental value with the vehicle. And that latter situation is why we still see so many Chevys from the 1950s and 60s still drivable today. ;-)

[@Dntlookfame]

Wanna do this but my passenger window doesn’t work 😔

[@kristoph7606]

Chevy c3500 in the UK needs help. My outside driver door lock and door handle have stopped working today, looking at this I'm thinking the rods have come out? The lock just spins and the handle has no tension, do you know if its a common fault? if so, am I likely to need any new parts or is it a case of popping some rods back Into place. Difficult to tell without looking I guess, But hoping some1 knoes exactly what I'm talking about🤔

[@DrShock]

Hi, no not common for those metal rods to become disengaged as they are secured pretty well (you have to fight to disconnect them from the retaining clips usually). The outside handle has a spring built in that provides some tension like you see around 10:41 so I'm going to presume you didn't mean zero tension as if so that's definitely a sign that the handle that's broke. Honestly, you won't know why without opening it up. Definitely haven't heard of both the handle and lock going out at the same time though.

[@kristoph7606]

@@DrShock Yh thanks for getting back to me. I went out and had another look the lock my be fine, But yh the handle isn't pulling on anything at all, It's a new purchase, running like a dream and mechanically great but man I'm stumbling across some little gems of chevy problems, The door pins need replacing, so the door was sagging. Went out today and shoulder bumped the door shut and think if bugered something, I'm gonna have to take the door card of and have a look. Thanks again bud

[@ericpacchioli2610]

What's the purpose of moving the window down then up instead of just leave it up?

[@DrShock]

To get the power window motor track arms out of the way for the most clearance for filming this. So down, disengage track rollers, and then manually raise glass. Most clearance.

[@bricemarchant9410]

What if you can't get your power windows working to lower them??

[@DrShock]

If you have a tool to get to the inside 10mm bolt, then it's still possible (though requires alot more patience with the rod connections) to get the assembly out and back in thru the outside door opening.

[@briantelford8532]

Two inch whole saw drill whole on the inside of door jam right by the lock cylinder their old trucks don't wast to much time on them.

[@DrShock]

If you drilled out a customers truck door without their permission they'd likely sue you for a replacement door, and win for property damage. ;-)

[@briantelford8532]

@DrShock Very true most people if asked though would sure appreciate saving 4 to 5 hr. labour's on an old truck.

[@sntruck]

I guess this is not for a 92 chevy silverado I'm having a hard time finding all metal for the 92 the ones on line are plastic

[@DrShock]

Yeah like the title indicates, only 1995 and up for this vid.

[@hydroScrogger]

You took the inside panel off when the panel has a while for the bolt all you need is a swivel with a magnet so it dont drop down. No need to pull that panel off right?

[@DrShock]

I've done more disassembly than minimum in order to film the procedure with greater clarity, particular to show where the rods connect internally. I also try to stay similar to the level of disassembly in the GM service manual. The dealer would have taken more apart to avoid scratching any paint, for example. You certainly may find you don't need to do all of those steps. It is possible to do without removing the glass from the track, for example.

[@awhitecouple]

You need a torque wrench?

[@DrShock]

Yes, you should for any fasteners I give torque values for in the video.

[@Ruthless9o7]

its a shame the replacements are plastic when the OEM was metal

[@arkansastrey9694]

Every chevy truck ive had , ends up needing door handels and hinges

[@morganadamson5466]

Is this nicolas cage? 😂

[@TheShangralaaaa17]

Is there a damn video on a truck with MANUAL crank windows????!

[@Monglomon]

its the exact same just minus all the wires and shit

[@patrickjohnson7801]

This is the third time I've had to do this and this time I'm going to put a washer inside the door at the area where the 10mm bolt is on the edge of the door where the lock is, I think the bolt puts to much stress on the handle then it cracks Just a thought, might epoxy to the door or On the back of the handle

[@mikechilds3037]

Cannot get the short rod hooked...help!

[@DrShock]

What time index in the video are you looking at?

[@mnbowhntr9691]

You missed a HUGE part!!!

[@1manmanythings144]

Holy shit, no wonder these doors stay broken, what a pain in the ass