79 F150 Door Locks
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 103
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From: Cincinnati
79 F150 Door Locks
About a month ago, I noticed a rattle on my truck. The driver’s side door doesn’t seem to close all the way. It may be my imagination, but it appears to be getting worse. Usually, I just take these things apart to see what they are made of, and find the problem. However, before I take the time to remove the door panel and remove the lock and all the control rods, I though I would see if anyone else has experienced this problem.
All the bolts holding the lock to the door are tight, as is the locking pin or bolt on the truck body. There doesn’t appear to be any adjustment of any type visible on the door or locking pin, and the rubber around the door is in good shape. Therefore, it seems as though the lock is defective, there is some adjustment on the inside of the lock, or the rubber is so compressed it can’t hold the door tight.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
John24255
All the bolts holding the lock to the door are tight, as is the locking pin or bolt on the truck body. There doesn’t appear to be any adjustment of any type visible on the door or locking pin, and the rubber around the door is in good shape. Therefore, it seems as though the lock is defective, there is some adjustment on the inside of the lock, or the rubber is so compressed it can’t hold the door tight.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
John24255
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Houston Tx.
I think that ford still used the plastic cover on the door striker. it's a little plastic piece that covers the metal of the actual striker. That is if Ford was using it back then. My 85 mustang has it on the door stiker and when it deteriorates it will cause a loose door condition where it doesn't seem closed or cuase a rattle.
just a thought.
just a thought.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 6
From: SD
I agree. The striker on the door post should have a plastic sleeve over it. If it doesn't, get a new one - there cheap and available at any parts store. If the plastic is gone, the door will be loose and rattle.
Marty
Marty
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,238
Likes: 21
From: Northern Illinois
You can also make the door close "tighter" by moving the striker pin a little further into the door jamb frame, they are adjustable. It requires a torx drive T-50 to loosen the striker pin.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 828
Likes: 3
From: Baltimore
As was said earlier here, the plastic sleeve on the door striker has broken and fallen off. Don't move the striker in to make up for the missing sleeve. This will just cause extra wear on the door latch mechanism. Instead, go to your local auto supply store and get a new door striker. I think LMC carries them too. It will cost about $15.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,238
Likes: 21
From: Northern Illinois
I guess I should have been more specific. If the plastic sleeve is still there and the door does not seal up "tight" or if you stand outside of the door and push on it a little and it goes in you can adjust the striker pin.
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 48
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From: Houston Tx.
You can certainly try moving the stiker in but mke sure you make reference marks so you can return it back to original spec if it doesn't get any better.
look into getting new door seals if you suspect they are all original. Normally those door strikers aren't going to just move over time. But it is possible.
Good luck.
look into getting new door seals if you suspect they are all original. Normally those door strikers aren't going to just move over time. But it is possible.
Good luck.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 103
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From: Cincinnati
You guys are great! Now that you mentioned it, I do recall that when the truck was new, there was a gray plastic cover over the pin. The plastic is now missing. It must have fallen off within the last month without me noticing it. I will pick-up a new one tonight.
You just saved me an hour of time and frustration. Thanks for all the help.
John24255
You just saved me an hour of time and frustration. Thanks for all the help.
John24255
