Door Latch Adjustment? ?

[drokmofo]

A while back my driver's side door was not wanting to open occasionally. Had the dealer look at it while in there for a free oil change and they adjusted the latch. The door opens and closes fine, but going over any kind of bump the door rattles like crazy. It is really annoying now and can't be too good for the hinges. How do I go about adjusting it myself? Is there anything in the manual? I am thinking that the latch needs to be lowered slightly so it can carry the weight of the door better. I don't have 1 but if someone that does doesn't mind taking a look and posting any info I would greatly appreciate it. Thx in advance.

 

[gixer2000]

Are you sure its the door rattling? I'm asking because it pretty common for the Window regulator to rattle over bumps as it wears out. Mine is doing it now so I'll be replacing it soon

 

[drokmofo]

I am pretty sure b/c before the dealer adjusted the latch there was no rattling. But I will check the regulator to be 100%. Thx for advice

 

[drokmofo]

If I put my arm on the arm rest or top of the interior panel with a some descent leverage the rattle is not as bad. Or if I push outward on the door it isn't as bad.

 

[Big Brian]

when I worked at a dealership we used the dollar bill test

take a dollar bill close the door seal on it and see how much resistance there is to pulling it out

do this in various places, you will know if its loose or not

to adjust it you just loosen the mounting screws of the latch and move it. The striker may be adjustable too by loosening the screw in the center of it, depends on the vehicle and its been a good 10 years since I did one

we used to take doors on and off all the time when I built prototypes for Ford but we would usually scribe where the hinges were prior to disassembly

 

[drokmofo]

Thx Big B

 

[drokmofo]

well that was too easy. took all of 5mns to adjust the latch down. i spent more time finding the right size torx driver. drove it around aiming for bumps and had no rattle. thx again for the info big b.

 

[Big Brian]

glad I was able to help

 

[jeff kushner]

Perfect example of what these forums are for! Kudo's guys!


jeff

 

[Underdog66]

What size is the Torx bit?
Thanks