Door Handle – Removal, Installation, and Adjustment

Overview

This guide walks you through removing, installing, and adjusting the exterior door handle on your Porsche 944 S / S2 with a 16v engine. It’s designed for S / S2 models without electric door locks, allowing the job to be done externally without removing the door panel. This saves time while ensuring easy access and security. We’ll also cover adjustments to fix a stubborn latch for smooth operation.

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Tools Required

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Long thin blade flat tip screwdriver
• Flat tip screwdriver (thicker blade optional for installation)
• Flashlight
• 5mm Allen head socket or Allen head key (for striker plate adjustment)

Parts Required

• Rear door handle gasket – 944 537 633 00
• Small door handle gasket (front) – 944 537 631 00

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Remove the Door Handle

1. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screw just above the door latch mechanism, located inside the door frame.

2. From outside the car, slide the door handle toward the front of the vehicle to release it from the door, then pull it outward.

3. Locate the white plastic piece on the back of the handle, attached to the lock button. Gently pry it off using a thin flat tip screwdriver.

4. Find the linkage rod connecting the handle to the latch. Slide the long thin screwdriver between the rod and latch, then gently pry while rocking the handle back and forth until the plastic socket pops off the latch ball.

5. Remove the door handle fully from the vehicle.

Step 2: Adjust the Door Handle Linkage (If Needed)

6. If the exterior handle doesn’t open the door but the interior handle does, the linkage may be too short. Remove the handle (Step 1) to inspect.
7. Check the linkage and socket for damage. Pull the handle to confirm the rod moves downward.
8. To lengthen the linkage, turn the plastic socket at the rod’s end counterclockwise. Test after each adjustment.

Step 3: Adjust the Striker Plate (If Needed)

9. If the handle is hard to operate, the striker plate may be misaligned. Open the door and use a flashlight to check if the latch aligns near the center of the striker bar when closing.
10. Loosen the three 5mm Allen head bolts on the striker plate with a socket or key.
11. Shift the plate slightly (small changes matter), then tighten the bolts to 20 Nm (15 ft-lbs). Test and repeat as needed.

Step 4: Install the Door Handle

12. Ensure the white plastic piece on the latch (from removal) points upward, visible in the door handle opening. Adjust with a screwdriver if needed.

13. Fit the rear door handle gasket (944 537 633 00) onto the handle.
14. Angle the handle and insert the linkage rod into the door opening.

15. Align the linkage socket with the latch ball. Press the socket onto the ball using a flat tip screwdriver (thicker blade if needed) while rocking the handle until it snaps on.
16. Push the handle into the door opening and press the white plastic piece onto the lock button (use your finger or a screwdriver).
17. Attach the small front gasket (944 537 631 00) to the handle’s front end.
18. Insert the front of the handle into the door opening, then press the rear into place.
19. Slide the handle toward the rear of the car until it stops.
20. Secure the handle with the Phillips screw above the latch mechanism.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Test the handle from outside to ensure it opens the door smoothly.
• Check the lock button works correctly with the key.
• Close the door and verify it latches securely without excessive force.
• Inspect for any rattles or loose parts when operating the handle.

Sources

• Clark’s Garage
• Pelican Parts
• Porsche 944 Workshop Manual, Volume 1
• Youtube