Hi Folks -

I have a sticky rear passenger door, seems likely it is the door check strap based on previous comments.

I understand putting the new one is a pain, and have heard people cutting the old one until they can get a new one in.

Wondering what the removal time is, vs. cutting?

Also, wondering if anyone would recommend an aftermarket part for this, or buy the dealer part?

Bruce

Try to lubricate the door hinges.

I have. Put a fair amount of chassis grease on both top and bottom.

The door is almost impossible to close, so I'm worried about bending the sheet metal at the pivot point on the door.

You are better served, by simply removing the defective part, until it can be replaced.


.

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I think that's good advice in general. People have commented that it is a long job (3/4 day for remove and install)- any estimate of how long to remove the old one?

I have never done a 201 but on a 124 or 126 it should not take longer than an hour or so to change a door check. One word of caution, don't open the door again until you are ready to do the work, what ever it is. If you open it and the door check decides it has has enough, you won't be able to close the door. This is not a good thing if you are at the mall or somewhere like that.

Paul

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84 500 SEL (307,xxx miles)

Replacing the door check is around 20 minutes plus. first time is the most difficult.
W201 shouldn`t be that much different than a w123.

Remove door latch trim
Pry off plastic cover on top of the arm rest/handle. remove the bolt.
Pull the handle out while moving the housing forward to release the retaining clips.
Remove the lock button.
Lift the panel up to release the the hooks from the door. there are about 5 or 6. some alng the bottom and sides and maybe one in the middle. If you pull the panel. the plastic hooks will break.

Remove the rubber seal on the check strap

Remove the retaining clip. use a punch (I use a brass drift) and drive the pin up.. I use a large pair of wire cutters (dykes) to grip the top of the pin, then tap the bottom side with a hammer to drive it out. there may be a white plastic washer/spacer. between the pin and strap.

Peal back the plastic sheeting on the corner where the door check is.
remove 3 10mm bolts. 2 where the strap comes out of the door, and one that is under the plastic sheeting.

Reach in door and pull out strap.

Replacement is the reverse of removal.

Charlie

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Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

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Charlie, thanks very much! I've had the door panels off before, and that doesn't sound too serious.

I have removed the straps, cleaned out the old grease, and regreased them. shot in WD-40 etc... they still don`t work. maybe for a shrt time.

I think inside the slider part is a ball or maybe 2 with a spring inside.
I have a few old ones, was thinking of drilling a hole, tap it and insert a zerk, give it a few squirts of grease.
Remove zerk, install a set screw and see it that fixes them.

A sticking Door Check and a sticking Steering Lock Assy are the two things that should be replaced as soon as they start complaining.

Fix me now, or I will make your life miserable later.

Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

For myself fifteen minutes, including door panel removal.

A local negative skilled "CPA" performed the repair in 45 minutes on his first door, from printed directions.
By the fourth door his time was 25 minutes.

I can assure you, this is not a challenging operation.

.

__________________
ASE Master Mechanic
asemastermechanic@juno.com

Prototype R&D/testing:
Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
HV-A/C Climate Control.
Vehicle build.
Fleet Durability
Technical Quality Auditor.
Automotive Technical Writer

1985 300SD
1983 300D
1984 190D
2003 Volvo V70
2002 Honda Civic

https://www.boldegoist.com/

Old strap is out. Thanks for your help folks - took me about 45 minutes.

I think the 3/4 day reference I saw was for replacing a door.

Cool! I can second that, if not replaced, the strap will break at the worst possible time. Sitting in the snow in 20* with no gloves pulling a check strap because the door is stuck open and a storm is coming is not fun .

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