Has anyone come up with a definitive fix regarding a floppy/loose exterior door handle? My handle has a bit of horizontal play in it, in addition to having some take-up before actually engaging the rod. The clip that holds the rod in place (pictured below) is entirely intact and the two nuts are quite snug. Snugging the two nuts does not affect the amount of play in the handle. All of the 'play' in the handle appears to be unrelated to the nut and connecting rod.

Thank you

 

I know it seems like an insignif. thing...but it is maddening. The likely problem is you've lost the tensioning 'spring' that runs along under the handle on the outside. It's very easy to miss, but if you look @ a handle that works properly (i.e., no play), you'll see it.

I've never seen it in any parts catalogue, and assumed you need to buy the entire handle assy. It's thinner than a toothpick, and easy to lose. Found 1 in a junkyard once, but it broke when I tried to get it out. Mine's on the pass. side and isn't way loose, so I haven't really looked that hard--not many 93-97 Camaros in the junkyards down here. But every time I open that door, I think about it. If you happen to find any, let me know.

 

I agree, it is one of the most maddening things about my car and the first thing you feel when you get into the car as well. I ended up replacing the entire door handle assembly with a Dorman Help! replacement (P.N 80437). It also includes the plastic clip that typically breaks which is nice. The old handle was quite worn both aesthetically and functionally. You can buy cheaper ones on eBay but the quality may be questionable.