Sprung front door removal & replacing hinges
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Sprung front door removal & replacing hinges
Hello,
I have a front driver's side door that's been sprung. I had previously removed a broken check arm. I was going to replace the check arm and door hinges as they felt to be also worn.
The other day while in town I locked my keys in the Jeep, which I haven't done in over a decade. While trying to retrieve the keys the door needed to be pried somewhat to produce a gap to unlock the door.
Now the door will only open approx. a ~foot, just enough to barely get inside, while door rubs on the lower part of the fender. I've tried to pry the door up, with no success. Perhaps I need to use a hydraulic jack to force the door in a position that it will open?
At this point I'm uncertain which is the best method to remove the fender and door.
Any known good methods to remove a sprung door that's hitting on the front fender?
I need to take a closer look at the fender's fasteners to determine how to remove the front fender. There appears to be several fender screws that are only accessible with the door fully opened. Once the fender is removed the check arm and hinges can be replaced.
I have a front driver's side door that's been sprung. I had previously removed a broken check arm. I was going to replace the check arm and door hinges as they felt to be also worn.
The other day while in town I locked my keys in the Jeep, which I haven't done in over a decade. While trying to retrieve the keys the door needed to be pried somewhat to produce a gap to unlock the door.
Now the door will only open approx. a ~foot, just enough to barely get inside, while door rubs on the lower part of the fender. I've tried to pry the door up, with no success. Perhaps I need to use a hydraulic jack to force the door in a position that it will open?
At this point I'm uncertain which is the best method to remove the fender and door.
Any known good methods to remove a sprung door that's hitting on the front fender?
I need to take a closer look at the fender's fasteners to determine how to remove the front fender. There appears to be several fender screws that are only accessible with the door fully opened. Once the fender is removed the check arm and hinges can be replaced.
Last edited by Anony; 07-23-2016 at 05:47 PM.
#3
CF Veteran
There's two fender screws that can only be accessed with the door fully open. Without loosening them there really isn't a way to move the fender along the door edge. There is two bolts at the bottom of the fender. If the door is rubbing near the bottom edge of the fender then removing them may allow you to move it just enough.
#5
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I just pulled up on the door a little. I think I may be able to pry the door up and bend the hinges and/or hinges slightly using a jack with a 2x4 along the bottom of the door.
I was also thinking if I'm able to position a drill or chisel inside the hinge area, I could then grind or chisel the heads off the two fender screws?
I was also thinking if I'm able to position a drill or chisel inside the hinge area, I could then grind or chisel the heads off the two fender screws?
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I'll try another time when my mind is more into it. I use to work with mild steel and HY-80 from ~1/4" to 3" but not much on auto and uni bodies. Some of the metal is fairly light and may not have much tolerance for bending.
When metal is stressed it becomes brittle and then breaks. An alternative is to heat and then bend the metal. I've done this a few times with non-uni body front ends.
Last edited by Anony; 07-24-2016 at 01:56 AM.
#7
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
After using a large axe as a wedge between the fender and door I was able to increase the space between the fender and door by pushing the axe inwards and prying the fender outwards.
This seems to have solved the door opening problem. The old door check's spring is broken off on one side. The bracket and pin are also worn out.
This seems to have solved the door opening problem. The old door check's spring is broken off on one side. The bracket and pin are also worn out.
Last edited by Anony; 08-28-2016 at 06:36 PM.
Trending Topics
#8
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I tried an aftermarkiet Dorman made in china door check, but was unsuccessful, to get it to work in either position. The door simply would not close. It appeared to be defective and not built as well as the oem so I returned it.
After going to the JY I found an oem still in good condition.
After going to the JY I found an oem still in good condition.
Last edited by Anony; 08-28-2016 at 06:36 PM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
WTB[PacSoWest]: Driver Side Vent Windows for 92 Cherokee Laredo
RickJames Bish
Wanted
10
04-07-2016 06:03 PM
sturoc
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
1
03-31-2016 04:18 PM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)