Is the rear door on a PUMA supposed to 'latch' open?

[spudboy]

Did a search here that turned up nothing, so I need to ask whether anyone with a PUMA gets their rear door to 'latch' open?

On mine (2007 model) I hear a click, but if I am even on the slightest slope to the passenger side, the door just closes via gravity again.

On my old Disco I, it clicks, and the door is 'latched' in the open position, and it takes a bit of a shove to get it to close.

So - does anyone have a puma with a rear door that stays open?

Am not game to pull it all apart if they aren't supposed to stay open.

Thanks
David

[Marty110]

yep it's a problem. It can be fixed by fitting a gas strut. You can get one from Dirk Landrover Tuning :: Rear Door Shock conversion kit for all Land Rover Defender 90/110 with rear door (http://www.landrovertuning.com.au/shop/defender/interior/rear-door-shock.html) he will often quote a bit cheaper if you ring him direct or email. I think Daniel at Mulgo does one too. Heres a couple of pics of mine. I used Dirks and it works a treat although you have to be 'brave' about trimming back the door trim a bit for clearance.

[oldyella 76]

I took the locking thing off then fitted a gas strut to the door to keep it open, I did it several years ago. I think a bloke called Mungo on this site makes them up now and sell them. Look him up.
Lindsay.

[newhue]

sure do, all 4 doors stay open and on quite a lean, jealous?

my dealer told me the bolt that holds the clamping mechanism always come loose. A re-tighten and use a bit of lock tight will fix it.

That was 18 months ago and they still are working a treat.

opps, just dawned on me the rear "cargo door", not rear passenger doors. I don't have a rear cargo so have no comment.

[Drover]

I have a Mulgo version. It is a perfect fit and works a treat

I can highly recommend Daniel he is good bloke and his customer service is tops, plus he is site sponsor.


Gas Strut for rear Defender door - Mulgo Pty Ltd - Australia (http://www.mulgo.com.au/p21_Mulgo-Gas-Strut-for-rear-Defender-door.html)

[Nicholas]

My problem is that the MTR tyre on the alloy rim slams into the bodywork quite hard. I am literally expecting the rivets to come loose over the next few months and the car was new in Feb.

Is the gas strut option the solution to this problem as well?

[chook73]

My problem is that the MTR tyre on the alloy rim slams into the bodywork quite hard. I am literally expecting the rivets to come loose over the next few months and the car was new in Feb.

Is the gas strut option the solution to this problem as well?

Yes it will fix this.

Another vote for Daniel at Mulgo, he fitted mine within 10 minutes adjusted perfectly for the spare tyre.

[Marty110]

cant comment on the MTR hitting the back as I have fitted a tyre carrier - this with the strut means that fully open my 265/75/16 / km2's are well clear when the door is fully open. Maybe look at a tyre carrier? Money well spent IMHO as it also helped support the weight via the chassis and rear body so no cracking of door and better dust proofing as the door doesn't distort with the weight of the tyre

[SVX37]

I had Daniel (Mulgo) adjust the mechanism on mine all in under 5 mins!
expedition vehicle conversions, recreational vehicle conversions, camper conversions, land rover, toyota - Mulgo Pty Ltd - Australia (http://www.mulgo.com.au/)

I don't need the gas strut as the Kaymar Wheel Carrier takes all the weight off the back door. I must say, I do like what Murray has come up with for a wheel carrier from Rijidij!
Home - Rijidij Off Road (http://rijidijoffroad.bounce.com.au/)

[Summiitt]

It's a common problem and an easy fix, just remove the plastic cover on the inside of the rear door and there is an adjustable mechanism near the lower hinge that has probably come loose, adjust it up and you should find that it stays open on slopes!

[TimNZ]

More info, (and pictures), here:

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/79657-defender-doors-staying-open.html#post980188

[spudboy]

Thanks very much for all that good advice.

It was indeed these bolts being as loose as anything that was the issue:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/05/931.jpg

I put on some medium strength Loctite so that should hold things together for longer. Next time - I might think about a strut.

Also - it was the first time I have ever pulled off a Land Rover door card and NOT broken any of the fixing clips :eek:

Cheers to all
David