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Misalignment Posted by Ari [Email]  (#2847) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Ari) on Tue, 4 Mar 2003 12:39:40
In Reply to: driver door getting tough to open, chris, Tue, 4 Mar 2003 12:20:36 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Over time, the door latch (door side) misaligns with the post (jamb side). Maybe the post has moved a little; maybe the door is sagging slightly, maybe the frame has sagged a little - probably a combination of all three.
It'll help to move the post so that you don't get as much rubbing. If you look at the post, you'll see that it has flats on it - they should fit a 17mm wrench. Find a good 6 point wrench - not a 12 point. The flats are pretty thin, and the post tends to be on pretty tight. You want to mark the present position of the plate, then loosen the post slightly, realigning it to not wear. The real trick is first to get the post loosened. Since the flats are thin, it's very easy for the wrench to slip off and round the edges. That's why a 6 point is necessary, and getting onto it nice and cleanly. The next trick is not to move the post too much.
That's the right solution. For a temporary solution, try these tricks -
First, when you open the door, don't pull on the door handle- 'lever' the door handle open until the latch releases, THEN pull on the door. Very minor difference that means a great deal. If you pull on the handle, you put a force load on the latch mechanism which tends to lock it up. This is OK with a new car when everything fits, but as misalignments build up, this makes it harder for the latch to release. If you 'lever' the latch open first without a load on it, the door should open easily. It's all in the wrist.
Second, if things are really sticky, put your free hand on the door frame near the roof. Basically, you're pushing the top of the door closed. You don't have to lean in, just a little pressure. This releaves the force on the latch, and makes it easier to open.
posted by 192.249....
, Tue, 4 Mar 2003 12:39:40 <-- Viewing This Message
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