W124 check strap adjustment? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ps2cho · #1 09-17-2010, 08:27 PM

The manual mentions no procedure for adjustment...

Mine is "banging"/"cracking" everytime the door opens.
...so the panel is off. I noticed the 'adjustment' screw was loose. I tightened it, and the noise has gone away, but it just does not 'sound' the same hard shut like the drivers doors do.

Is there any other adjustments that I can be made?

Thanks

87tdwagen · #2 09-17-2010, 08:31 PM

Usually the checkstraps on w124's have no adjustment to them other than lining them up when mounting. They work or they fail. Generally creaking means they are on their way out. At $12 each, just replace them at the first sign of trouble. You can lube the channels on which the spring-loaded ball sockets ride and see if that helps, but usually when the noise or stiffness begins they are failing, and need to be replaced.

ps2cho · #3 09-17-2010, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 87tdwagen

Usually the checkstraps on w124's have no adjustment to them other than lining them up when mounting. They work or they fail. Generally creaking means they are on their way out. At $12 each, just replace them at the first sign of trouble. You can lube the channels on which the spring-loaded ball sockets ride and see if that helps, but usually when the noise or stiffness begins they are failing, and need to be replaced.

My drivers door is beginning to creak. Thanks for the heads up on that. I guess I will just go ahead and replace the front. It seems like there is only 1 part #....Are they all the same for Left vs right?

For tightening the bolt on the door panel side of the door, what position should the door be at? Closed/1st/wide open?

87tdwagen · #4 09-17-2010, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ps2cho

For tightening the bolt on the door panel side of the door, what position should the door be at? Closed/1st/wide open?

From what I recall, it's a straight forward installation. The strap side is mounted to the post with a press pin, just remove the lower retaining clip, like a c-clip with a little 90 deg lip on it, drift the pin upwards and the strap will release from the pillar. Make sure to secure the door so that it does not open too much more than where the check strap held it at wide open. From there unbolt the strap assembly from the door , should be three bolts and I believe that the bolts go in from the outside of the door and screw into the mounting tabs of the check strap assembly. Either way the assembly mounts from inside the door frame and the screws/bolts go in from the outside.

Another thing to note is the position of the loop end of the strap. the side that mounts to the pillar. The sheet metal is rolled to form a loop, and the loop favors one side of the strap. Just note how the originals are mounted and duplicate that position with the new strap. I believe the bulge portion goes towards the centerline of the car, but just match up to the ones you are about to change. I believe the checkstrap is the same part number regardless of left or right side, front or rear.

If your straps are painted the same color as the car they are original. The new straps have a gold-tone cadium coating and a plastic sleeve to act as a vapor/water barrier which many originals do not have leading to the early rust-prone failure of the originals.

The hardest part of the job is getting the panels off, the rest is a walk in the park.
Best of luck,

ps2cho · #5 09-20-2010, 06:29 PM

Got the check strap today.

I noticed the plastic sleeve seems to block the metal strap from extending to the stop point...Is that normal?

Should I grease anything up prior to installation and if so, what grease would you recommend?

ps2cho · #6 09-22-2010, 10:14 PM

Replaced it...

This is what I found!
Door functional again! 30minutes and it was done.

I made a complete writeup here for future searchers:
http://w124-zone.com/?p=413

MBeige · #7 09-22-2010, 11:44 PM

If you have a bottle of touch up paint for your car, give it 1 more hour to paint the strap (just the visible portion anyway) and let it dry prior to installation.

Black and blue-black can easily blend original and new paint but some colors will show the fade, but still looks better than bare metal.

Just wanted to add that personal touch