Doh... Driver's side door handle broke

So I took a quick trip to the market (yes the market), and a squeezed the handle to open the door (out side handle) and the door opens. But as I squeezed, I guess I squeezed a little too hard because I felt the handle was now just hanging there freely. So I closed the door and tried to open the door. Yep, the handle is broken. The inner door handle still works.

Has this happened to anyone before? Should this be a simple/inexpensive fix? I suppose I'll take the door panel off after dinner and take a look what exactly broke.

 

http://www.ricambiamerica.com/images/diagrams/full/F35552_122.jpg


http://www.ricambiamerica.com/product_info.php?products_id=243127 --------- OUCH!! Hopefully it is repairable and you don't have to purchase the whole unit

 

Expensive little buggers but I was able to find a used one. Here is a post to help you out but it isn't hard to do and can be done with simple hand tools. Just remember that the whole repair is done from the outside so no need to remove the inner door panel.

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=193516&highlight=355+door+handle

 

I think I can help you with a less expensive fix...PM sent.

You can remove the door handle from the outside with some metrix Allen wrenches and a #2 Phillips screwdriver. You may need to remove the outside or inside panel to remove the broken piece though. Try by removing the outside panel, it's easier.

You did nothing wrong, btw, the damn part is made from cheezy cast pot metal! (which is why it cannot be welded either!) I had a skilled friend (and fellow 355 owner) design a replacement part for the door handle (not the whole thing) on a CAD program and then make the part on his CNC machine. I believe he has a spare or two...or could quickly make another, since he now has the program. It still won't be cheap (his time and skills aren't free ) but the new part, machined from aircraft aluminum is never going to break like the oem junk!

I am PM-ing you, since I know the mods do not want him promoting here on f-chat. I can give you his email contact.

 

Had similar experience just got a quote the part (piece of poorly designed metal) is 685$ total installed $935
I would appreciate info on how to get one custom made out of better materials thanks

 

They will be available from Hill Engineering / Ricambi America in the new year

 

Excellent!!

You guys are doing good things Paul!

 

Indeed, good to hear the void/needs of us are being met by enterprising folks out there!

 

I broke mine the same way last year, I would love to buy the aftermarket part from your friend!

 

I have 1 left door lever left, but could CNC more if needed, PM me if you want it. The easiest is to send the complete handle assembly in, for rebuild, they are a bugger to disassemble.

 

Exact same thing happened to me last year. Got it fixed at the dealership for just under $1000...

-R

 

I just broke mine today. Nice Ferrari quality! 26,000 miles, treated like a princess and the door handle breaks! Ugh.

 

I believe these Hill Engineering items will help:

http://www.ricambiamerica.com/index.php?cPath=600_100049

The top two items shown (in black) are for this exact purpose of fixing broken F355 door handles.

 

hope u fix it asap

 

So let's see... 26,000 miles at around 2500 miles per Le Mans 24hrs = perhaps 10-11 races. And figure perhaps 50 door operations per race for testing and driver changes = something like ~ 500 total door operations. So how many times did you open yours??

 

Thanks all! Nice to see the part is available individually! Gee, looking forward to rebuilding the door handle now

Gotta love that Ferrari engineering!

 

Mine broke just about the time that the Hill Engineering replacement came out. I can't tell you how it was to install as I had the shop do it, but I was very happy that I didn't have to replace the whole assembly. Thanks Hill Engineering and thanks Ricambi/Daniel!

 

My driver's side door handle broke today, 13,000 miles. Where did they have these things made, Mattel? Anyone have a post on replacing this? Unfortunately, I started by removing the door panel, thinking it could be accessed from inside, but NOOO! Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

Pm Monza 456: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/private.php?do=newpm&u=24063

He fabricated a new door handle for me when now broke. I think it was a couple hundred bucks installed.

 

Mattel, are you kidding? It would outlast anything ferrari makes.

 

I think a chop stick would outlast that pot metal pile of crap they installed. The amount of air voids in the casting make it look like honeycomb!

 

Keep in mind, when the door handle breaks it is usually this piece (see link), not the complete handle:

http://www.ricambiamerica.com/product_info.php?products_id=338806

 

I knew I wouldn't have been the first one to break a door handle...just sad to see I can't keep saying it was my superhuman strength! Ricambi to the rescue again!

 

Mine just broke 1 1/2 months ago. The Ferrari dealer just charged 1 hour labor and about $250 for the part. Not too bad. The repair is done from the outside panel, not from the inside.

 

Pro-tip: If you're like me and usually have the windows down or top off / down (sorry Berlinetta guys) then just pull the inside door handle.