The "claw" goes in front-to-back (archive)

Make sure you have the lock cylinder pushed in all the way, then slide the "claw" down the door skin into the grooves on the cylinder. If you don't get it on straight or don't have the cylinder pushed in far enough, it won't go. BTW, the "claw" also contains the door lock heater. Good Luck!

I've been inside my driver's door all day. The door lock driver is okay and so are all electrics. This is a mechanical problem in nature. Visualize this: the door claw innards (behind the trim inside the door). There is a retaining bar that raises when you pull the inner door handle that allows the claw to release from the door latch. I am unable to restore the full range of motion to the retaining bar so that it will release the claw. I have to push it up from the inside with a screwdriver to open the door, just like a locksmith would do from the outside with the appropriate tool. All the linkage is present and correct. I think the problem is that there was a retaining ring just below the lock cylinder that had loosened itself out of position over time. Problem is, with limited space, how do I get it back in place? I can't afford to give up on it and take it to the shop. Bentley doesn't help much. Anyone out there with the shop manual or BTDT before? Thanks for the space.
Chris
'85 635

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