The drivers door handle push button is hard to push. It opens the door fine, but need to apply significant thumb pressure to open it. The rod that contacts the latch mechanisim is bent as is shown in the picture. Is this from use, or should the rod have a bend in it?
The bend in the rod is correct on many cars. Lubricate the mechanism the rod is activating and your door should work fine. Just checked - all the used push buttons I have here have the bend.
The grease in the door latch assembly is probably old and hard. You may have to take it out of the door, clean it up with solvent, and then lube it up and re-install it. As long as the springs in the latch assembly are good, it should work as new when finished. Duane PS, The bend in the door button has to be there to work correctly. If you try to use a button with a straight shaft, when you push it in the rod will slide over the paddle and jamb the lock assembly. At that point the door will not open and you will have a huge mess on your hands.
