W126 ‘85 500sel Door Check Strap Hinge

[RichC3]

While preparing to replace driver’s door check strap, I discovered the pin hinge is loose. It appears two spot welds have come loose, caused by stiff check strap. The pin seems to be only thing preventing hinge from falling into the abyss. Is there an access point to this hinge? Thought I’d ask before removing driver foot well panel. Anyone have this experience, recommendations, suggestions? Thanks in advance.

[INSIDIOUS]

I'm no welding expert. To me it looks as if this was stick welded through holes. Perhaps you can redo that while holding this in the taught position. or, drill next to the welds, tap it out and and use a stainless flush head bold, if clearances allow.

[RichC3]

Originally Posted by INSIDIOUS

I'm no welding expert. To me it looks as if this was stick welded through holes. Perhaps you can redo that while holding this in the taught position. or, drill next to the welds, tap it out and and use a stainless flush head bold, if clearances allow.

Thank you! I like the idea of redoing a couple spot welds over existing posts/holes.

[INSIDIOUS]

I just went to an outbuilding and had a look at a GEN 1 W126. None of the doors have any sign of welding or bolts or holes around that limit strap. Nothing but flat surface around that part. I wonder if yours had previous work?

The main direction of force is pulling on that part when opening., which is probably plated on the back side, so those welds would not be doing much. Why would they want to go to the trouble of spot welding in that location when they could have just tacked it from the back? Not much force pushing in when the door is closing. I'd like to hear others with GEN 1's weigh in on if their jambs show that same arrangement.

[RichC3]

Originally Posted by INSIDIOUS

I just went to an outbuilding and had a look at a GEN 1 W126. None of the doors have any sign of welding or bolts or holes around that limit strap. Nothing but flat surface around that part. I wonder if yours had previous work?

The main direction of force is pulling on that part when opening., which is probably plated on the back side, so those welds would not be doing much. Why would they want to go to the trouble of spot welding in that location when they could have just tacked it from the back? Not much force pushing in when the door is closing. I'd like to hear others with GEN 1's weigh in on if their jambs show that same arrangement.

Thanks again. I too suspected jamb may have had work done by previous owner, but after inspecting other three, all have similar welds (4) around hinge. Door strap is barely functional & requires pushing to close, probably this way for some time, causing hinge to give out. Tacking from backside would be ideal with proper access. Attached pic of GEN 2 w126 (‘86 560sel) welds near hinge not as noticeable, but similar to GEN 1. I’m going to remove check strap so as not to further damage hinge. Meanwhile, need to determine suitable access point to tack weld backside of hinge.

[INSIDIOUS]

Originally Posted by RichC3

Thanks again. I too suspected jamb may have had work done by previous owner, but after inspecting other three, all have similar welds (4) around hinge. Door strap is barely functional & requires pushing to close, probably this way for some time, causing hinge to give out. Tacking from backside would be ideal with proper access. Attached pic of GEN 2 w126 (‘86 560sel) welds near hinge not as noticeable, but similar to GEN 1. I’m going to remove check strap so as not to further damage hinge. Meanwhile, need to determine suitable access point to tack weld backside of hinge.

Have you tried spraying lube in there?

[87tdwagen]

Clean up the spot weld points and if you can just weld a dab on each spot. You will end up with a barbell joint. The spot welds probably broke due to a stiff strap that was forcibly closed causing the weld to give.

[RichC3]

Originally Posted by 87tdwagen

Clean up the spot weld points and if you can just weld a dab on each spot. You will end up with a barbell joint. The spot welds probably broke due to a stiff strap that was forcibly closed causing the weld to give.

Thank you. This is what I suspected, but wasn’t certain. As soon as I have spot welds done and install new door strap, I’ll post outcome.