Sliding door latch
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Freshman User
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Sliding door latch
Today the sliding door on my Aero began making a cracking noise as latch was opened. I think its the upper jaw on latch assembly snapping open. Lubrication made no difference. I can created a bit of lateral play at latch point when door is closed but door stays closed. Any ideas?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,416
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From: Mitchell, SD
I have never heard of the latch going out before. Have you checked the condition of your striker Bolt? There is a plastic bushing on there that tends to wear out over time. A replacement can be found at any auto parts store.
Another part that could be causing your issue is your lower roller. Very common wear part.
(pics courtesy of Asavage)
That is what my bottom roller looked like. Once I replaced it the door opened and closed a heck of alot better.
Another part that could be causing your issue is your lower roller. Very common wear part.
(pics courtesy of Asavage)
That is what my bottom roller looked like. Once I replaced it the door opened and closed a heck of alot better.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,432
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A agree, the lower roller can cause all sorts of issues with the latch by putting additional strain on the parts. If ignored, it can break stuff. All of our Aeros have had the lower roller replaced. It is a wear item. Keeping the lower track clean helps it last longer. Great pics there nighthawk, that really does show the difference between old and new. When it wears out, the whole door sits 1/4" too low, which prevents the latch from lining up properly.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Washington state
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I'm going to try striker bolt cover and lower roller(well worn by the way) but I can duplicate the noise by loading latch jaws against spring tension with a finger and releasing. It seems to be generated by jaws against latch case or against something internal. Probably much ado bout nothing.
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Finally got around to replacing missing sleeve on sliding door strike bolt. It cured "cracking" noise when latch was opened. Roller replacement next.
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I had the same problem with my '93 Aero. I replaced both the striker bushing and the roller with parts ordered through the local Ford dealer. Getting the old roller off of the bracket was a nightmare but the job got done and the problem is solved. No more cracking and dragging, at least when operating the sliding door.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 9,303
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From: Lyndonville, Vermont
I have the perfect bearing for the slider bottom roller that wears out..
1614-ZZ New 3/8" Quality Single Row Bearings-1614Z - eBay (item 370131908700 end time Jan-10-10 18:03:11 PST)
Its the perfect replacement. A little higher and it should never wear out. Smooth as glass.
Did all my vans..I think I locktited it to the shaft..can't remember.
Dick
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...IBSA%3AMT%3A11
1614-ZZ New 3/8" Quality Single Row Bearings-1614Z - eBay (item 370131908700 end time Jan-10-10 18:03:11 PST)
Its the perfect replacement. A little higher and it should never wear out. Smooth as glass.
Did all my vans..I think I locktited it to the shaft..can't remember.
Dick
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...IBSA%3AMT%3A11
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I ordered bearing suggested by 99f350sd for lower roller on side door. For the money....... then I got to thinking that the factory roller may be a sacrificial wear item. Either the roller wears or the track wears. I'm sure the metal in a roller bearing is a lot harder than the track material. Think this is a problem?
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,013
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From: SoCal
That would certainly make sense. How does your track look now, with the roller worn out? The part of the bearing that would ride on the track is the outer housing, which is probably not nearly as hard as the journals, but still harder than the plastic roller. You don't want it to act like a pizza cutter. Of course, you can weigh that against how long you plan to keep the van.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 9,303
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From: Lyndonville, Vermont
Its a wider bearing and it rolls. I don't think anything is going to wear.. Not in this lifetime.
Don't forget the old bearings have grooves in them when the plastic wears off and when it doesn't spin its grinds the floor..
Don't forget the old bearings have grooves in them when the plastic wears off and when it doesn't spin its grinds the floor..
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Original roller had not quite worn through; junk yard replacement slightly better so track looks good. My Aero is used as a work van; lots of saw dust and drywall dust. I blow out track/step area weekly; lube monthly.
How long do I keep the van? Til some auto maker offers a suitable replacement. Sprinter too big for city parking; Transit Connect is too short and can't tow my 3500 lb hauling trailer.
Back to the subject at hand, I'll give the bearing a try and keep an eye on it. It may not have enough traction to roll through the dust/crud but the price is right.
How long do I keep the van? Til some auto maker offers a suitable replacement. Sprinter too big for city parking; Transit Connect is too short and can't tow my 3500 lb hauling trailer.
Back to the subject at hand, I'll give the bearing a try and keep an eye on it. It may not have enough traction to roll through the dust/crud but the price is right.