1998 Chevrolet Silverado C1500 Driver Door Issue

[Sean Sills]

I have noticed that I am having to pull the interior door handle all all the way to max to open the door. Any ideas of the problem and where to order the parts to repair?

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

It may be the inside door handle fixing to break. Has this just started? Reason I ask is, that's how my Burb did before the handle let go. Then you have to put the window down and reach out to the outer handle to open the door. Not fun in the rain!
There may be other causes but this seems the most likely one. Hope this helps!
The handles are not that expensive from online retailers (l got mine at Rock Auto on warehouse clearance) and aren't that difficult to change.
You'll need a Phillips screwdriver for the armrest screws, a small prybar to get the door panel off, and a drill( 3/16" I think) to remove the factory rivet. If you have a rivet tool,you can put a new rivet in the hole. I decided to do that instead of a screw or small bolt/nut, so nothing could fall out in the door.

 

[df2x4]

^ X2. Most likely the handle is fractured just out of view inside the door panel and is starting to flex. Pretty soon it most likely won't work at all. I've had one fail in each of my '97s like this.

This would be a good time to check that door and make sure your hinge pins and bushings aren't worn and allowing the door to sag. That's a pretty common issue on these trucks, and can contribute to the interior door handle failure.

 

[Sean Sills]

It may be the inside door handle fixing to break. Has this just started? Reason I ask is, that's how my Burb did before the handle let go. Then you have to put the window down and reach out to the outer handle to open the door. Not fun in the rain!
There may be other causes but this seems the most likely one. Hope this helps!
The handles are not that expensive from online retailers (l got mine at Rock Auto on warehouse clearance) and aren't that difficult to change.
You'll need a Phillips screwdriver for the armrest screws, a small prybar to get the door panel off, and a drill( 3/16" I think) to remove the factory rivet. If you have a rivet tool,you can put a new rivet in the hole. I decided to do that instead of a screw or small bolt/nut, so nothing could fall out in the door.

This?

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

That's the Escalade/Denali version, with the chrome handle. The regular version looks just like that, but has the gray textured handle. They're color coded to match your interior and door panel color. And they're indexed left and right side.
Interesting that the chrome handle ones are that cheap. They were not last year when I bought mine, and money was tight, so I got the regular gray handle ones. But that is a common upgrade, to change to the chrome ones.

 

[xXxPARAGONxXx]

I believe gmpartsgiant.com has the parts available.

 

[Sean Sills]

I have the light grey in my vehicle. I cannot find the color code. I found these 2 at Rock Auto but huge price difference. What's the difference?

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

GM Genuine is the OE supplier, and this should be as good as what came in the truck (i.e., last for 20 years). The other one is an aftermarket brand, probably made overseas, but it should be made to GM specs for the application. IIRC that's what I used( they were on warehouse closeout,on sale and I didn't have much $$ to spend,and needed to buy all 4). I replaced the front ones in July last year and they seem to be working just as good as they did when installed. I will say, whatever brand you get, lube them with silicone spray and run the slider up and down before you install it. Mine were tight for a bit until I did this....

 

[Sean Sills]

Thanks everyone. Ordered from Rock Auto and replaced.