Door hard to close-latch question
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 207
Likes: 1
Door hard to close-latch question
My driver's side door requires a very hard slam to close- it is very annoying. I replaced the hinge pins to eliminate sag- did not fix it. The seals were replaced years ago and should have broken in by now.
If I move the striker outwards it matches more easily but then the door is not flush with the body (you can see between the door and seal from inside).
So- does the internal latch wear out? Would replacing it help? Is there an upgraded part (Bear Claw) that would solve this? Or is it really just an alignment issue (the door looks pretty aligned and is even with surrounding panels). I'll try to get a picture up.
If I move the striker outwards it matches more easily but then the door is not flush with the body (you can see between the door and seal from inside).
So- does the internal latch wear out? Would replacing it help? Is there an upgraded part (Bear Claw) that would solve this? Or is it really just an alignment issue (the door looks pretty aligned and is even with surrounding panels). I'll try to get a picture up.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,343
Likes: 12
From: Wichita Falls TX
Door latch mechanisms have two latching positions. The first position just partly engages the latch around the striker. On a properly adjust door, this position results in the door being ajar. It is possible to adjust the striker so that this first latching position is all that engages, resulting in difficulties. This may be what you are experiencing. To remedy this, try adjusting the striker all the way out to make sure the latch is fully engaged, clicking twice instead of just once. When you are sure the latch is fully closing around the striker, then adjust the striker incrementally to bring the door flush to the body.
David
David
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 794
Likes: 19
From: between lost and found
2X on the striker bolt adjustment,
make sure the plastic bushing is on the striker bolt.
could also be that upon disassembly to access the hinges that "true" alignment wasn't achieved,
did you scribe or drill small markings hole to assist with replacement?
in repainting my truck, even though I drilled alignment holes for door removal, I still experienced "issues" Just took time and patience, along with a bloody knuckle or two, and a few choice words before achieving desired results.
make sure the plastic bushing is on the striker bolt.
could also be that upon disassembly to access the hinges that "true" alignment wasn't achieved,
did you scribe or drill small markings hole to assist with replacement?
in repainting my truck, even though I drilled alignment holes for door removal, I still experienced "issues" Just took time and patience, along with a bloody knuckle or two, and a few choice words before achieving desired results.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 207
Likes: 1
My scribe marks were not sufficient to get the rebuilt hinges back in the exact location. I can (insert cusses) try and align the door more-maybe moving the hinge out a bit?
As for the door-it is stock.
as for the striker- I have moved it out slowly to no avail. In the current position it does fully latch- just takes a huge slam like I am overcoming resistance somewhere.
Is the plastic sleeve on the bolt important? (Cue laughter)
As for the door-it is stock.
as for the striker- I have moved it out slowly to no avail. In the current position it does fully latch- just takes a huge slam like I am overcoming resistance somewhere.
Is the plastic sleeve on the bolt important? (Cue laughter)
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 794
Likes: 19
From: between lost and found
Plastic sleeve? Why yes it is EXTREAMLY IMPORTANT unless your a huge fan of your door rattling......
Maybe your next step is to take it to a body shop and let them have a whack at it.....
Or maybe try your local highschool or junior college that has a auto body course
Maybe your next step is to take it to a body shop and let them have a whack at it.....
Or maybe try your local highschool or junior college that has a auto body course
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 504
Likes: 4
From: Malheur County
My scribe marks were not sufficient to get the rebuilt hinges back in the exact location. I can (insert cusses) try and align the door more-maybe moving the hinge out a bit?
As for the door-it is stock.
as for the striker- I have moved it out slowly to no avail. In the current position it does fully latch- just takes a huge slam like I am overcoming resistance somewhere.
Is the plastic sleeve on the bolt important? (Cue laughter)
As for the door-it is stock.
as for the striker- I have moved it out slowly to no avail. In the current position it does fully latch- just takes a huge slam like I am overcoming resistance somewhere.
Is the plastic sleeve on the bolt important? (Cue laughter)
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