need help diagnosing door latch issue on SDL
 

Hi all,

This just started on my passenger front door on my 86 SDL. When I close the door, it doesn't fully close. It sticks out a half inch or so and you isn't held strongly. You can move it in and out about a quarter inch or so. If I push the door closed with some effort, I can lock it and it stays flush that way.

Is this a simple door striker failure? Visually it looks good and I recently replaced it with a pulled part and it closed well without having to be slammed.

The extra effort needed to hold it closed and the increased resistance when turning the key makes me think this is worse than just the door striker.

Thanks.

-M

Sound loke maybe the latch needs to be lubed.

when we first bought the 85 back in 97, I had a problem with the drivers door. I had to slam it to get is closed. adjusting the striker didn`t do any good.

I pulled a L/R door latch mechanisim, figuring that door doesn`t get as much use. Installed it, and the same problem. I cleaned it and greased it before installing.

The door had been slammed so much before we bought the car, that when I had the door panel off, the metal on the right side between some holes was cracked..

Later on I used a different shop, and the mechanic used an acid brush and a little grease to lubed the latch where it connects into the striker. all fixed. that door closes like new.

the SD should close with little effort, ours does, wish the 123 was as smooth. Its a bummer when I go the Junk Yard and find cars that close better than mine :o

Charlie