I need advise! I know how to take the door panels off, the water shield, etc. I even know how to get the outside door handles off, and back on. I am just curious why it seems so hard to get the outer handle rod detached from the joint bushing. They seemed to be pressed in really hard, and I use a hook tool to remove them, but at times it lets the handle rock (spring area) and breaks the little center pivot plastic rivet head off which holds everything together. How do you get this rod off without hurting anything? I have yet to figure this one out. Does someone make a special tool? I have done quiet a few of them, and they are always a pain in the *ss to get off. Thanks guys!

 

Try spraying them with a lubricant like PB Blaster. It has helped me in the past. It also helps in the reassembly of the clip/bushing.