Door experts please help

I got the impression that changing the door check strap was fairly easy but I'm stuck now. I got door lining off.

But the bolt that holds the check strap to the body is what I am struggling with. How does one get that bolt out so I can slip the new check strap in???

Are there any special tools I need to remove it? Please help before I take off anymore paint around the area!! I've hammered, used pliers, screwdrivers...etc.

Please show me the light!!!!

thanks,
Michael Chan

1989 190E 2.6L 87000mi

[darius]

I'm checking the CD now, Michael. I have taken mine off, but can't remember any snags that should have made it difficult.

- John

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John J. Meadows
'83 300D 260k mi.
'85 190E 2.3L 99k mi.

[darius]

Yes, I remember now. There is a protective sleeve on the bottom of the pin where the strap is attached to the subframe. MB recommends a special tool to remove it, which basically looked like a small chisel. I remember using a cold steel chisel to gently tap the pin protector out. It did not take a lot of force, so take your time. Work on the bottom...and when the clip comes off, then just pop the pin out.

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John J. Meadows
'83 300D 260k mi.
'85 190E 2.3L 99k mi.

Thanks for doing the research Darius. The protective sleeve is not the same as the metal washer that came out pretty easily using my fingernail.

That's my last question before I go back to finish the job.

Thanks a million again for your willingness to help!!

Michael Chan

I have now changed all 4 door straps. Here are the steps I used with help from Darius.

1. Take off door lining
2. Unbolt the 3 bolts to the door strap
3. Pull out the metal washer clip
4. Use heavy hammer and strike upwards against the bottom of the pin.
5. Use something like a screwdriver to finish delivering the pin out of the slot.
6. Reach inside the door unit to remove the old door strap.

Re-install is a bit more tricky actually...if anyone needs that info, please e-mail me. I'm sure there are many variations of the theme.

Thanks again for your help!!!
Thunk..what a wonderful sound!

Michael Chan

[darius]

Michael,

The best part is that I have to do my own check strap repair again this weekend...and now, I won't even have to try and remember what I did last time - I will just follow the steps.
Last time, btw, I actually disassembled the strap, taking out the ball bearings and the spring and seeing where the defective part failed. I just haven't had the time to order the replacement and get it shipped in till this week.
Glad that all worked out!


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John J. Meadows
'83 300D 3.0L 260k mi.
'85 190E 2.3L 99k mi.

Good luck with the strap Darius...

I'm sure it'll all come back to you once you start with the job. Once I got good at it each door was about 15-20 minutes. Let me know if you need any advice since its still fresh in my head.

Michael Chan