Barn Door right side cable actuator broken

[Pete]

The cable that actuates opening the barn door from the outside is broken. Has anyone had success changing this out themselves? I found the part, but access is challenging to say the least, can't really see where it is supposed to attach at the top. Would I need to remove the latch mechanism that is inside the door itself?

I believe this is the part

https://www.amazon.com/Unikpas-assem...350+Super+Duty

[bigriver]

Google "youtube replace ford van side door latch cable"

[Big_ern_101]

Its not too bad. Get the interior trim off if applicable, then just kind of weasel the cable out.

Dorman makes aluminum ends that can be swapped on to the cables without pulling the cables out completely. Usually the cable is fine and its just the end that went bad. I keep a few cables in my van toolbox for just such an occasion.

https://www.autozone.com/collision-b...249&CADevice=c

[boywonder]

It's likely that the plastic cable end is broken......as mentioned, common issue.


I have some of the metal replacement ends of you want to make the drive over here.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by boywonder

It's likely that the plastic cable end is broken......as mentioned, common issue.


I have some of the metal replacement ends of you want to make the drive over here.

Thanks, I ordered some, and will attempt the repair this weekend. My door seems to have a lot more material on the inside than some of the videos, but hoping I can get access to fix it.

[PatO]

CRAZINESS - I'm glad I searched before posting for other victims and resolutions. As of yesterday my outside rear door latch no longer works. Inside latch releases OK. Thank-you group. I'll see if I am up for the task!

Pete - did you have success?

[Pete]

I tried to fix it myself, and ended up making it worse. Took it to my local shop, took them two hours just to get the door open, another couple to replace the entire mechanism, and $700 later, my door works again!

[PatO]

Thanks for the reply, mine is the right rear door. I took off the panel and exterior handle / license box and one if not both ends of that cable are destroyed. New cables on the way but I'm not sure with the power lock solenoid being riveted to the door I can remove the latch assembly. I'm also not sure if one can replace the cable(s) without removing the latch. If the interior cable fails I'll not be able to open it. I'll watch the videos a bit closer but rapidly losing hope!

[PatO]

I'll just hijack Pete's thread since it is so similar. I was able to remove all of the internals once I figured out that the power solenoid housing just clips into the bracket that is riveted to the door. All four of my cable ends are separated. I believe I'm quite lucky that the inside door handle was still working. I'm waiting for new cable delivery. Having the large license plate opening to work from made a big difference. Gee! I wonder how my other doors are fairing? I see one can get a complete inexpensive non-OEM replacement latch assembly but my experience with knockoff parts makes me leery. FYI - The U-Tube videos mostly sucked.

[doublevan2]

It would be great if you could supply the source of cables (and part numbers ?) for all required so others might also use those sources ! Thanks for consideration -