Driver Door Alignment Issue

[sbkim]

Greetings,

All of sudden my driver side door started dragging against the weather strip. Upon search, it appears that this may be a common issue. I took it to a local dealer and they told me that they need to replace the door hinge, weather stripping, and even the carpet around the door. Further, that it could take up to 2 days to get it all done. Does this make sense or is it just a minor door adjustment?

thanks in advance

 

[Lawrenzo]

I've got the same problem with my passenger side door- any input would be greatly appreciated by me as well.

 

[ViperJoe]

Man, both 02's they're still "new" cars. How come this happens so early on in the cars life?

 

[Andrew2KRT10]

Happened to me also on the driver's side. I adjusted the hinge myself, worked out okay. I guess it dropped.

AC

 

[David Jenkins]

It's the same aluminum hinge since '93. The problem is that the doors are heavier than the early doors due to the power windows parts. I've never had a GENI sag. The hinges usually aren't "bad", but just need adjusted. Door alignment is a bit of a pain. If the door is aligned with the body outside the car, we usually just tighten all the hinge bolts and take material off the body where the w/s is to lower the w/s instead of trying to raise the door. dj

 

[Lawrenzo]

and take material off the body where the w/s is to lower the w/s instead of trying to raise the door. dj

Whoa Dave, keep that grinder away from my car the next time I bring it down. I can live with a sag... I can live with a sag... I can live with a sag!

 

[ViperJoe]

It's the same aluminum hinge since '93. The problem is that the doors are heavier than the early doors due to the power windows parts. I've never had a GENI sag. The hinges usually aren't "bad", but just need adjusted. Door alignment is a bit of a pain. If the door is aligned with the body outside the car, we usually just tighten all the hinge bolts and take material off the body where the w/s is to lower the w/s instead of trying to raise the door. dj

What is "w/s"?
Thanks

 

[Brad Manhattan Beach]

The aluminum hinges wear out and need to be replaced. I adjusted these several times and it always went back out of alignment. I replaced the weather strips (which aren't cheap) a couple of times before I was told that the hinges needed to be replaced. I went to a "supposed" reputable shop that knew nothing about Vipers and they screwed up the alignment.I finally took it to a good body shop to get the hinges and the alignment done correctly (because there are several surfaces that need to be lined up).

After replacing the hinges, it hasn't come back.

 

[Lawrenzo]

It's the same aluminum hinge since '93. The problem is that the doors are heavier than the early doors due to the power windows parts. I've never had a GENI sag. The hinges usually aren't "bad", but just need adjusted. Door alignment is a bit of a pain. If the door is aligned with the body outside the car, we usually just tighten all the hinge bolts and take material off the body where the w/s is to lower the w/s instead of trying to raise the door. dj

What is "w/s"?
Thanks

weather stripping

 

[David Jenkins]

and take material off the body where the w/s is to lower the w/s instead of trying to raise the door. dj

Whoa Dave, keep that grinder away from my car the next time I bring it down. I can live with a sag... I can live with a sag... I can live with a sag!

Live with it until it tears the w/s and then have your friendly Dodge dealer repair it under warranty. Taking .100-.200 of the body makes no difference. It still seals air and water. These cars are at least 1/4 different from side to side. No two are the same. Guess I better make a better hinge. You bail early Sunday Big Dog? I thought I saw your car there???dj

 

[Lawrenzo]

I was there until the engine blowout that spewed oil down the front straight- so I only missed the TransAm final. I headed out for some good eats at Poehi's on 1st. Figured I'd miss the traffic going back over the bridge.

 

[DodgeViper01]

Here is what you do. Jim told me exactly what to do so I will pass on the info. Sbkim, since you have a new car you will be covered by warranty. Take your car to your local dealer and tell them the problem you are experiencing. They will then replace the whole panel and your new panels will make your car look MUCH better. New panels are great!!

 

[sbkim]

Thank you all for the replies. I thought it was a simple adjustment but sounds like it may not last long without new parts...

F355, sounds like my dealer is doing me a favor by offering to replace not only the hinges but panels and weather stripping.

 

[jimandela]

F335,
how did you make out? new panels?

Sbkim,
I too had issues of the door rubbing the weatherstripping.

When my very attentive vipertech called DC they advised they had a new fix to this common
issue. Whole new door panels!! they are redesigned slightly smaller rug area so as not to hit/rub
the weatherstripping and the doors shut a whole lot better.
take it in. let them replace them. Have the tech realign and tighten the door.

Then you should be set.
best wishes
Jim

 

[viperama]

A friend at the Local Body-Shop adjusted the Driver Door a few weeks ago for the first time... the same problem like you guys had...

He sais, that there was no worn Door hinge or something like that.

When You remove the small Body Panel in Front of the Door and put some grease in the right place, you will extend the lifespan of youre Door hinges.

 

[Red Mist Viper]

When I purchased my Viper the driver's door would not close properly and the window did not seat against the w/s correctly--which caused a lot of wind noise. The dealer fixed the problems by replacing the w/s and adjusting the fit of the door. Cost me nothing but time. The door is still a little hard to close, but there is no more wind noise.

 

[sbkim]

jim - thanks. very reassuring words. Minor issue but annoying nonetheless.

 

[1TONY1]

Unless there is damage to the w/s and carpet....I would say an adjustment sould be all that is needed.