Re-adjusting door?

GFRYHTSN · #1 (**permalink**) 10-25-2003, 10:47 PM

I have a 1996 Explorer, and somehow, over time, the door shuts, but it is just a little, how do i say.."whompi jawed". It shuts fine, the light goes off, and all that business, but at speeds over 70, i can hear wind noise real bad coming in through that crack...and if i go to a automated carwash, water comes in, slowly but surely. By the looks of it, you cannot tell, unless you look realllllly closely, there is a sight misleveling at the top. Does anyone know how i could re-adjust the door without a trip to a bodyshop/dealer?

katneric · #2 (**permalink**) 10-26-2003, 07:59 AM

Hello,

The door adjustment is accomplished through loosening the door adjustment screws in the front doorjam. The process involves backing off the screws and moving the door around. It is a simple process and also a simple one to screw up and have a worse problem. If you take your time, dont take the screws out and dont back them off too far, you can get a pretty good fit. One thing to consider is that your hinge and bushing may be worn out. If the door sags any while open and doesn't fit flush, it may be time for new hinges. The Haynes manual has a good instruction for both issues.

Eric

mason · #3 (**permalink**) 10-27-2003, 09:22 AM

I agree with katneric. It is likely that the hinges/bushings need to be replaced. Explorers are notorious for this after 6 to 10 years of use. Bottom hinge is pretty easy to replace. Top is a bear but doable. I think most people end of replacing the top hinge pin and bushings and not the entire hinge assembly.

Mason