Creaky door fix

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   I don't know if it was just my car or if this is a common problem but my doors sounded like they were from a 1973 ford truck when i'd open and close them.  By that I mean that they'd creak and groan quite a bit.  I sprayed all kinds of lube on the door stopper thingey and it would work for a few days at a time. 

Today I tore the door apart, on a mission to do what I could to stop the squeaking / heavy feeling doors.

I was again suprised at how easy it was to get to, dis-mantle and put back together.

Basically I got the piece out, and it was able to be dismantled quite easily so I tore it apart, cleaned out what was left of the dried out, dirty grease, re-greased it and put it all back together.

To take the piece apart just use a screwdriver to work the top / bottom plates out a bit, then use a rag and some pliers to pull the plates out all the way.  Use the rag to keep the spring from taking off.  It's not under much pressure but better safe than broken glass.  :)  After that it's pretty simple.  To put it back together the 1st spring / plastic / plate goes together easy, the 2nd one is a little harder because you have to push down on the spring and slide the plate in.   Very do-able by yourself but easier with 2 people.

Door feels quite a bit smoother now and most importantly it doesn't squack and groan when opening or closing.  :)

Edited by firehawk618 - March/20/11 at 6:55pm

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firehawk618 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MINI Motorer PSMINI Nonmember Joined: January/18/11 Location: Marysville Status: Offline Points: 422	Post Options Post Reply Quote firehawk618 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Creaky door fix Posted: March/20/11 at 6:53pm
	I don't know if it was just my car or if this is a common problem but my doors sounded like they were from a 1973 ford truck when i'd open and close them. By that I mean that they'd creak and groan quite a bit. I sprayed all kinds of lube on the door stopper thingey and it would work for a few days at a time. Today I tore the door apart, on a mission to do what I could to stop the squeaking / heavy feeling doors. I was again suprised at how easy it was to get to, dis-mantle and put back together. Basically I got the piece out, and it was able to be dismantled quite easily so I tore it apart, cleaned out what was left of the dried out, dirty grease, re-greased it and put it all back together. To take the piece apart just use a screwdriver to work the top / bottom plates out a bit, then use a rag and some pliers to pull the plates out all the way. Use the rag to keep the spring from taking off. It's not under much pressure but better safe than broken glass. :) After that it's pretty simple. To put it back together the 1st spring / plastic / plate goes together easy, the 2nd one is a little harder because you have to push down on the spring and slide the plate in. Very do-able by yourself but easier with 2 people. Door feels quite a bit smoother now and most importantly it doesn't squack and groan when opening or closing. :) Edited by firehawk618 - March/20/11 at 6:55pm

CORNERS Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List PSMINI Expert Advisor PSMINI Member Joined: July/29/10 Location: Bothell, WA Status: Offline Points: 3733	Post Options Post Reply Quote CORNERS Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: March/20/11 at 8:17pm
	You are one skilled mechanic :-)
	Kurt/04 R53 Check out My MOD MINI repair videos channel @ YouTube

CINIMIN Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MINI Motorer Joined: August/27/05 Location: Everett WA Status: Offline Points: 4676	Post Options Post Reply Quote CINIMIN Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: March/20/11 at 8:50pm
	The skills of the mechanically inclined in this club are amazing - and the willingness to share their knowledge and experience is very much appreciated. Thanks for documenting and sharing Chad.
	Jack - <font color=RED>CINIMIN [/COLOR] 2006 CR/W MCS - 6spd - LSD -15% Pulley - Dinan CAI ASA JH6's Koni FSD's 22mm Bar Have you hugged a curve today?

firehawk618 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MINI Motorer PSMINI Nonmember Joined: January/18/11 Location: Marysville Status: Offline Points: 422	Post Options Post Reply Quote firehawk618 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: March/20/11 at 10:23pm
	NP glad to share, wish I was better at stopping to take pics as I go and write ups.

johnf36 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List PSMINI Expert Advisor PSMINI Member Joined: August/30/07 Location: Ephrata, Wa. Status: Offline Points: 8612	Post Options Post Reply Quote johnf36 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: March/21/11 at 12:16am
	Keep it lubed with lithium and you with be fine
	If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough.