After several dozen "hard pulls" it failed. The internal door handle is fine, easy pull. Outer handle link is short 1-2/32". Nylon rod ends. Theory: did the door get hung on a lift? Did an ape (former pro wrench myself) grab the handle like a ...

Sorry, not sure what you are asking for assistance on.

Sorry. Did not finish my comment before signing off previously. Think I have the problem solved now.