Sliding door - not opening properly

[Hoopy_Frood]

On my 1984 van - i replaced the door recently although the problem seems to have persisted.


The door sticks a bit when opened and needs a tug at the side nearest the hinge to get it to 'pop out' and slide back.
I'm sure it's an easy fix if you're in the know... but for the moment I is a bit stumped.

Any advice would be great

[Jim San]

What have you done to try and fix it? Have you lubricated anything? It may just be sticky and needs some oil.
Check the runners are clear.

that's about all I know, I was lubing my at the weekend, it made it so much quieter and smooter

[Hoopy_Frood]

I cleaned out all the gunk that had accumulated on the hinge unit and greased along the rail - it's slides quietly and smoothly, but there is still stickyness on the right hand side of the door. I'll get the lube out again and go at it more liberally this time. Where does the force needed to 'pop out' the door come from though? Is it all in the hinge or is it in the door mechanism?

[Plasticman]

pop out as you call it is in the center rear swinging hinge/bracket there is a strong spring in there, also depends on whether its late or early mechanism
also im not a believer in lots of grease that causes drag, clean off and to start with a light oiling,
with regards to the center hinge ,these get really manky and full of crud so wash it out and free it all off
mm

[kevtherev]

you can see the spring here

[Plasticman]

might be an early door though Kev
mm

[Robsey]

His signature says 1984 DG - so that should be the early configuration.

[Hoopy_Frood]

Hi,

Marv is indeed an early van 31 years young.

Thanks for explaining the hinge mechanism - I didn't get as far as cleaning the internal gubbins, just all the gunk that collected in and around the roller and rail.
I will investigate further this evening.

Iain

[Plasticman]

yes the early one is totaly different, there is a long heavy spring in the item and what uysually happens is the lug thgat secures it fails and then no springy open

mm

[Hoopy_Frood]

Can I replace the lug in that case or is a replacement unit needed?

I saw a new late (i think) hinge on VWheritage for almost £500
Parts emporium seem to have some early parts for £75, which is still a fair chunk.

Thanks
Iain

[Plasticman]

Best to define the failed part or cause before getting involved in speculation
mm

[Hoopy_Frood]

Thanks you, thank you, thank you!

Armed with a little bit of knowledge, I investigated further; cleaning out all the gunk on the internals, wiping off all the grease and giving things a light coating of oil as advised.

I also adjusted the position of the door catch slightly and lo and behold, it's done the trick.

Next on the list is getting another attempt at getting the window rubber insert into place. What a frustrating job that is!

[kevtherev]

Next on the list is getting another attempt at getting the window rubber insert into place. What a frustrating job that is!

not with the correct tool surely?

[Hoopy_Frood]

I bought a tool for fitting it, but I think I should have got the one with the roller bit on it.

I was attempting to fit it in the dark, with only a headtorch, so I don't think that helped me much!

[kevtherev]

....but I think I should have got the one with the roller bit on it.

Ah trying to save a few pennies huh?

comeuppance tight wad!

get a friend to help follow your tool as it lets the bead in with a screwdriver shank (on it's side) instead