Loose Door Handle

[Piez]

I have 04 1.8T and over the last few weeks I've noticed the outside drivers door handle is getting looser. Compared to the other handles on the car it doesn't have the same stiffness of resistance when you open it and it rattles sometimes when you shut the door.

Has anyone else had this problem and if so how did you get it fixed?

[Dillon's A4]

Hi Piez ,
I have a 53 plate A4 Avant 19TDI . My drivers door handle is also loose , when you shut all the other doors their is welcombe "Thud" , on the drivers door it has a "rattle" . I did look at removing the interior trim to see if there is a nut or screw that could be tightend but it looks a big job . If you find an answer let me know , and i will do the same ..

[Piez]

I mailed the sales guy I purchased it from and he tells me this is a known problem, they even had it happen to one of the demo cars. Unfortunatly it is not covered by the warrenty but he does think it shouldn't be an expensive fix.

[spainy]

Had this happen to me resulted in the handle falling off. The guy I bought the car from repaired it free of charge. There is a stainless sliding clip which holds the handle in place it slides across the back of the handle. I am guessing you payed around the £10000 mark for your car and the handle falls off and its not covered under warranty?

[Celtic Cousin]

I improved it (i.e for a few months) by the careful addition of some silicone. But any info on a permanent fix would be welcome.

[nutter1980]

Did anyone manange to get an easy fix for this common issue ?

[Mitch22]

Same fix as Celtic Cousin. Applied small amount of silicon rubber via syringe under outer part of handle. No more rattles....but would be interested if there is a permanent fix. I also was told by '*******' that problem wasn't covered under warranty even though a mate who works there says its a very common complaint!!! Good Luck Mitch

[slinger247]

Mine has just started doing this and its quite annoying. Whereabouts do you put the silicon?

[nutter1980]

I too would like to know what method was used , what type of silicone and what did u use to apply it.

A brief description would be nice

[Mitch22]

1. Silcon - DC3145 (Dow Corning) used to be called RTV3145 but I suppose any clear silicon for outdoor use would be fine. DC3145 has both sealing & adhesive properties.

2. Load silicon in a small syringe with micro nozzle. Silicon can be bought in small syringes. Probably could use normal silicon tube and applicator with small cut in nozzle but it's gonna be alot more awkard to apply. I work in Aerospace Industry so materials mentioned above are readily available!!!!!!

3. I used two wedge shaped match sticks to hold outer part of handle away from inner.

4. Squeeze in silicon. Don't be afraid to squeeze in too much as excess will come out later.

5. Remove wedges.

6. Squeeze 2 parts of handle together.

7. Remove any access immediately from outer edges of handle to give a clean edge. (Use Isopropyl Alcohol wipes - very useful).

8. Allow manufacturer's recommended silicon curing time.

Job done! I've had no further rattles!