side and rear door handle cables

[baggydew]

On my 94 model, the cable going from the lock to the interior handle broke preventing me from exiting the camper from the interior. When I investigated, the plastic end on the cable separated where it fits into a groove in the lock or handle mechanism. All the doors use the same set-up and this cable end piece apparently is a weakness on all Ford vans. Does anyone have a fix for this problem? A Ford replacement part is upwards of $90 and includes an unnecessary lock while still using this faulty cable end peice.

[Roadhog]

I had the same problem on my 95 rear door. My friend has a 93 and had the same problem on three doors. I could not find a fix or where to buy just the cables. Seems a shame that we have tro replace the whole assembly but thats what we had to do. If you could find a place that makes up similar cables you might be able to send the cables off and have them made. If you do find a place we would all like to know. It is inevetable that they will fail with age. The plastic end that secures the cable to the bracket just deterioates. Good luck. I just had to bite the bullet and buy the whole assembly. Check the Ford dealer and get a part number and shop the internet, you might beat the $90 price. Howard

[funtwodrv]

Maybe this will help.
http://www.dcmarketplace.net/Door-Cable ... rd-Van.htm
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[Roadhog]

Great find!! I looked at it and looks like a good and much cheaper fix. I certainly will give it a try next time. If Baggydew tries this fix, let us know how it works out. Howard

[baggydew]

I've ordered a set and will let ya'll know. Thanks for your help.

[craigmar]

just another site offering the same kit with instructions and the same price, their website has a lot of testimonials praising this repair kit. Just scroll down the home page for the kit.

www.okmarketplace.com

[Planck]

I ordered 2 sets of these aluminum cable end replacements this summer. They are well made, but the fit over the plastic cable housing is very tight. I ended up having to drill out the opening just a little larger in order to get the cable all the way in. Also, you may/will have to remove the latch mechanism and carefully bend the cable attaching tab open in order to get the aluminum repair piece installed. Then carefully bend the tab back.

A good, much lower cost solution than buying a replacement assembly at a Ford dealer. The other option would be to find a good cable at a scrap yard.

I think the high heat in southern climates does them in faster than if the camper lived in a northern climate.

[baggydew]

I rec'd my kit in the mail today and installed it. Lucky for me, I only needed one end near the interior handle and will save the other fitting for future use. Installation was easy because I didn't have to remove the lock at the door's edge. It only took me 15 minutes. It was a tight fit over the rubber cable sheath but mine fit without drilling. I did have to file the handle notch a bit for the fitting groove to snap into place but it was an easy and permanent fix. Thanks to everyone who weighed in on this topic

[RobertL]

Bought the same kit- works great- The side door broke first. Now my back door has the same issue so this Sunday I will be repairing that one. I suspect the temperature extremes of the Mojave reek havoc on plastic parts like this one. The replacement cable holders look to be a long term solution. Don't waste your time with the Ford parts, they just break again.