Hello everyone! Sorry if it's a dumb question, but I had a problem with a door latch mechanism where it wouldn't lock/unlock the passenger side door with a key. So I decided to replace the entire assembly with a brand new one from amazon. Now it will lock/unlock and everything works. However it doesn't seem to hold the door in place very well. Basically when I push it from the inside or pull it from the outside the door moves about half an inch and is only then being stopped by the mechanism. Did anyone have a similar problem with an aftermarket assembly? Should I return it and try fixing the old one or is it something else that may cause this?

 

Well hello to you. Another member had so much trouble with his latch from Amazon that he gave up. He finally fixed it with a latch from Dorman I believe. Good luck and keep us updated.

 

The amazon part is junk, like 95% of aftermarket stuff for our cars. Get a good used original latch.
I still don't get how the manufacturers were able to build parts that last 30+ years in the 80s and now they aren't even able to just COPY a dumb part correctly. I mean, all the effort it takes to copy a part, get machines and material and all that stuff and the you can't even use it. Smh...

 

Good used OE latches unfortunately have the plastic worn off. I bought these 9 years ago and they're still going strong.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/13303849806...QAAOSwEGxhL-Z~
Nevermind the year range. I had them first on my 84, now on my 89. Fit is the same.

 

Thank you for the reply! Yeah, I took it off and compared it to the original latch. It seems way more flimsy than the original.

 

Very true, guess the quality control just ain't there

 

Thanks a lot for the link! Just placed an order and will hopefully install them next weekend.