Loose Drivers Door Hinge

[timrob]

On my 2003 extended cab Silverado with 116,00 miles, I've noticed recently when I go over bumps the drivers front door makes a metallic knocking sound. With the door fully open, if you lift on the door there's a bit of slack. More slack than the front passenger door. The 2 drivers door brackets that are welded to the a-pillar frame have some kind of soft sealant on top. I think the sealant is for rustproofing. The sealant has a hairline crack in it. The passenger side door does not have the hairline crack in the sealant. I think the hairline crack is an after affect of the the flex in the door.

 

I've always sprayed the brackets with WD-40 a couple times a year. The door opens and closes fine.

 

This is not the body-creek issue or the weather stripping issue. I've had the weather stripping itch issue for a long time, but just found out how to fix it today.

 

I think the bracket that attaches to the frame, or maybe the bracket that attaches to the door needs to be tightened up some how. Can this be done? Can it be done without removing the door? If possible, I was thinking of using a c-clamp.

[Visegrip117]

On my 2003 extended cab Silverado with 116,00 miles, I've noticed recently when I go over bumps the drivers front door makes a metallic knocking sound. With the door fully open, if you lift on the door there's a bit of slack. More slack than the front passenger door. The 2 drivers door brackets that are welded to the a-pillar frame have some kind of soft sealant on top. I think the sealant is for rustproofing. The sealant has a hairline crack in it. The passenger side door does not have the hairline crack in the sealant. I think the hairline crack is an after affect of the the flex in the door.

 

I've always sprayed the brackets with WD-40 a couple times a year. The door opens and closes fine.

 

This is not the body-creek issue or the weather stripping issue. I've had the weather stripping itch issue for a long time, but just found out how to fix it today.

 

I think the bracket that attaches to the frame, or maybe the bracket that attaches to the door needs to be tightened up some how. Can this be done? Can it be done without removing the door? If possible, I was thinking of using a c-clamp.

 

 

Is there a bushing that is on the bracket that the door latches to?

 

On older model trucks the bushing that the door latch latches to would wear out. Causing slack in the door.

[timrob]

There's 2 short pins and bushing per bracket. I would imagine they would be the first to go. I have a service manual at work and can check how to replace them. Do you think I should replace both all 4 pins and bushings?

 

The door doesn't sag, but maybe I caught it early enough.

 

Any idea if they are they pretty easy to replace?

[timrob]

Found some other posts, doesn't look to bad, but it never does.

 

Parts available at Napa for $15.80, http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Detail.as...1248_0115831044.

 

Thanks for your help.

[grose67]

Replace both pins and bushings on the door. If you have someone helping you, it takes about 30 minutes. You may have trouble getting the new pins to seat all the way. If you do, hold a large hammer against the top of the hinge while using another hammer to tap the pin in place. Make sure the pins you get have the locking clip on the end of the pin. The ones on the body of the pin dont seem to stay in place very well.