I ran into the same problem with my 99. Turns out the handle is riveted on and has to be done by the dealer. There is a certain tool i guess that is needed. Goodluck
how to replace a exterior front door handle on a 1999 toyota tacoma
youll need to take the door panel off, then unscrew the handle assembly and replace with a new handle ( junkyard?). screw that in then replace door panel.
They are on the wheels and are held on by bolts.
Take it to the dealer, this is not an easy job. Take it to the dealer, this is not an easy job. I did replace the outside door handle on my 1999 suburban drivers door. It is not a easy job and was very frustrating. Remove the inside door panel. The door handle is held on by two screws. There are also two rods to deal with. one for the lock the other for opening the door. Do not get them mixed up. I was able to get the new handle in with the door lock only partially in the new handle. Then with the new handle screwed in I was able to push the lock all the way into place. Test and replace door panel.
Remove inner door panel for access
you must use a wedge on the outside above the handle to see inside and then use a coat hanger or something long to pull the handle rod
You cant, go to the junk yard or eBay
you need to remove the screw directly behind the door handle, then rotate the cover off the handle then pry the clips around the outside of the door and pull up. to put it back on you just reverse what you did to take it off
The belt need to be replace to a new oneor check the tention of the belt.
You don't try to unclog it you just replace it with a new one.
You need to remove the Door Panel and you can reach the attaching nuts from there.
This is a royal pain to do. Once the panel is off then you have to take out the window assembly which is held in by pop rivets. For $90 in labor I had a shop do it. Both the inside and outside handles were broken in my case. The inside handle comes as an assembly with the linkage and was $65 or so. The outside handle was about $45. Even the mechanic said "Wow. That was WAY harder than most vehicles." I said, " I know. That's why I had you do it."