Sliding Door Problem
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,570
Likes: 20
Sliding Door Problem
The sliding door on the Aero won't close and latch all the time. THe rolling hardware is in good shape and there is nothing stuck in the track. The door doesn't sag, nor is it out of alignment. It seems the rear catch is not doing its job. I can't figure what is wrong, as on repeated tries it will close and latch. What should I look at, concerning the latch?
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Northern California
12:01 (Aftermidnite 
)
I had problems with the latch on my Aero, I took it apart (hardest part was putting the rod back on it and that not isn't bad). Mine was all gunked up and filthy to the point that it would hardly budge. I removed mine (need a torx bit if memory serves), soaked it in gasoline (a clever degreaser) and lubed it up and make sure the lever that pops the jaws open (you will see) is making good contact, mine was bent so that the lever wasn't making contact to pop the jaws open. Put it back together and worked great and has since, I had to remove my door as the rear hinge assembly had loosened and dropped making the door sag. I just tore apart all the rollers and latch, and rear hinge assembly and lubed them all up. Funniest part was the little woman looked outside and the slider was laying on the grass. She was like
WHAT DID YOU DO TO THE VAN????
Good luck, hope that helped.
Aaron
Nappers.
If that don't work, do a search on slider in this forum.
)I had problems with the latch on my Aero, I took it apart (hardest part was putting the rod back on it and that not isn't bad). Mine was all gunked up and filthy to the point that it would hardly budge. I removed mine (need a torx bit if memory serves), soaked it in gasoline (a clever degreaser) and lubed it up and make sure the lever that pops the jaws open (you will see) is making good contact, mine was bent so that the lever wasn't making contact to pop the jaws open. Put it back together and worked great and has since, I had to remove my door as the rear hinge assembly had loosened and dropped making the door sag. I just tore apart all the rollers and latch, and rear hinge assembly and lubed them all up. Funniest part was the little woman looked outside and the slider was laying on the grass. She was like
WHAT DID YOU DO TO THE VAN???? Good luck, hope that helped.
Aaron
Nappers.
If that don't work, do a search on slider in this forum.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,416
Likes: 1
From: Mitchell, SD
Before doing what Nappers suggested, I would try spraying the latch with some silicon spray (not WD-40) while opening and closing the door a couple times to really get it worked int there.
If that does not work, then scare the heck out of your wife.
If that does not work, then scare the heck out of your wife.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Northern California
Originally Posted by 93nighthawk
Before doing what Nappers suggested, I would try spraying the latch with some silicon spray (not WD-40) while opening and closing the door a couple times to really get it worked int there.
If that does not work, then scare the heck out of your wife.
If that does not work, then scare the heck out of your wife.
You should have seen it when I tore the washer apart to fix the main bearing, had stuff all over the house and front porch. She was really
LOL. Works like a charm and no bolts left over Later
Aaron
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,452
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Check the track on the side of the van. It tends to break off near the latch post. When it happens, you may find that you need to push the rear of the door inward a little bit to help the latch.
I know this is kind of hard to describe, but I'll try. Follow the track from the rear of the van and go forward from there. Near the post where the latch engages, the trach curves inward toward the inside of the van, and it's this curve that pulls the back end of the door in when you slam the door shut. Look at the end of the track right there, and I think you will find that the track has cracked and come loose. I just drill a little hole and put a sheet metal screw in to hold it in place.
I know this is kind of hard to describe, but I'll try. Follow the track from the rear of the van and go forward from there. Near the post where the latch engages, the trach curves inward toward the inside of the van, and it's this curve that pulls the back end of the door in when you slam the door shut. Look at the end of the track right there, and I think you will find that the track has cracked and come loose. I just drill a little hole and put a sheet metal screw in to hold it in place.
Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
Likes: 2
From: Salt Lake City, Utah
I would use the silicon spray to clean and loosen it, assuming the internals have not bent or broken yet, and see if you can get it to work. After it works, get some heavy lithium grease (the kind that comes in a can or tube, and apply if the the lock. Silicon eventually dries up, and leaves the parts without proper lube, the grease stays put, and protects the parts from dirt.
If the track is loose, and you drill through it, spray some rustolem or other good enamel paint through the hole to prevent rust. Also, if possible use a rubber washer. You could use a regular washer with black RTV silicon instead, that should work well.
If the track is loose, and you drill through it, spray some rustolem or other good enamel paint through the hole to prevent rust. Also, if possible use a rubber washer. You could use a regular washer with black RTV silicon instead, that should work well.
Last edited by khantyranitar; Mar 21, 2006 at 05:28 PM.
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