Stiff doors

[veebs]

Hi all,

My trusty D4 door handles are increasing ‘stiff’ to open - like they only really engage right at the end of the cable pull, and with quite a sharp ‘click’ when they do.

Symptoms amplified recently, on installation of fresh door rubber seals. Pushing in on the door when opening relieves the harshness a bit, but hard to train the family to do this…

Drivers door is the worst, leading me to assume it’s a worn part, but less clear what that would be. All doors suffer to some extent, based on amount of use.

I’ve read about door actuators, but usually in the context of locks not working - is my experience also a sign?

Or, is there something I can do like silicon spraying a specific part to free things up a bit?

[DiscoJeffster]

Interesting as my passenger door is the same. I was also wondering where the issue is.

[veebs]

Anyone?

Might need to try a fresh door lock mechanism, and see if that fixes things. Bit intensive for a fault finding mission though… :-)

[Eric SDV6SE]

When I replaced my drivers door sealing rubber, the door latch was the same. I used lithium grease on the door latch, inside the handle and also on the door hinges and the stay. Seems to be OK for now. I do have a new drivers door latch sitting in the shed that I need to fit one day.

The catch and latch need to be clear of any build up, the new seal is quite firm when new, takes a bit of time for them to soften or 'learn'.

So far only my drivers door is presenting some slight catching, but not to the point where I need to change out the mechanism.

[DiscoJeffster]

Anyone?

Might need to try a fresh door lock mechanism, and see if that fixes things. Bit intensive for a fault finding mission though… :-)

So yesterday I filled the mechanism with silicone lubricant both latch area and in the handle pull area when I had it pulled back. Today it feels much nicer. It wasn’t instant so I guess it worked it’s way into the mech.

[veebs]

Thanks guys - good to hear there may be a cheap fix for this one!
Will try the silicone lube out :-)

[veebs]

The silicon is definitely making it smoother - went for a spray can from Bunnings, will hit it a few more times over the coming weeks. Gets a little better each spray.

[DiscoJeffster]

The silicon is definitely making it smoother - went for a spray can from Bunnings, will hit it a few more times over the coming weeks. Gets a little better each spray.

Yeah agree. Redid mine and even better