Doors, Front - Scraping Noise/High Opening Effort
File In Section: 10 - BodyBulletin No.: 43-15-10
Date: September, 1994
Subject:
Scraping Noise/High Door Effort when Opening Front Doors (Bend Lower Check Ear)
Models:
1991-94 Buick Park Avenue, LeSabre
1991-94 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight, Eighty Eight
1991-94 Pontiac Bonneville
(Above vehicles affected were built before December, 1993)
1995 Buick Riviera
1995 Oldsmobile Aurora
Condition:
Some owners may comment on a slight scraping sound when opening their front doors. Noise should be most noticeable from 1/2 open to full open. If the scrape is very severe, the owner may comment on "high effort to open the front doors".
Cause:
This condition is caused by inadequate clearance between the lower check ear (on the door side strap) to the bottom of the body side strap. The cycling of the door will cause contact scraping of the paint from the underside of the strap. Loss of paint will eventually allow rust to form on this surface. Depending on usage of the door, efforts can be adversely affected over time.
Correction:
Repair both front doors. Apply a local bend (downward) to the lower check ear to increase clearance.
Service Procedure:
1. With the front door open to the first hold open position, look at the bottom of the lower hinge (use of a flashlight and mirror will help).
2. Observe if the lower check ear (door side strap) is coming in contact with the bottom of the body side strap. Paint may be scratched.
3. Insert a flat bladed tool between the bottom of the body side strap and the top of the lower check ear (see illustration). Pry downward until a gap of 2 - 4 mm is achieved.
Important:
Care should be taken to ensure that the check ear is NOT bent down so far that it is lower than the bottom of the stop pin. If this condition has occurred, tap the check ear upward with a small hammer until the 2 - 4 mm gap is achieved.
4. If rust has occurred in this area, it should be removed and the area repainted.
5. In case of severe rust, the hinge may need to be replaced.
Warranty Information:
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation Labor Time
B4004 0.2 hr. (both doors)