Difficulty: 1/5
Back to 1000: mk3 how to index
Introduction
Does your door not seat properly against the frame? Does the door weatherstripping not seat properly? The problem could be the natural sagging of the door hinges or pins due to age. Ruling out any kind of frame damage due to accident damage, the door hinges could just be old. For information on the door handle, see 1000q: handle replacement, adjustment, and FAQ
Parts:
VW OEM door striker pin: VW # 357 837 034 (optional)
large torx bit
Procedure
There are two ways to fix the door hinges: an easy way and a hard way. The easy way could damage the hinges, so be warned! The hard way will let them be aligned more precisely but will take longer.
The easy way of adjusting the door hinges is to open the door slightly, place a hydraulic floor jack under the door and jack it up to bend the hinges. Place a large wood plank and cloth to protect the paint on the door bottom edge and to spread out the pressure. This bends the door hinges and has a medium chance of damaging the door if you apply too much pressure but it works. You can also try just grabbing the door frame and pulling up. This may have less chance of damage since you can feel how much force you are applying but you have to pull pretty hard to adjust the door.
The hard way of adjusting the door hinges is to remove the door hinges from the door, adjust the door with the bolts torqued only lightly, then once in the final position, torque down the door hinge bolts. You can also replace the door striker pin if it has been worn away from misalignment.
The door is held in place with 2 large torx bolts. It also has a slider bolt and electrical connection, but these do not affect the alignment of the door. Loosen the large torx bolts and you can move the door a little bit. Move as needed. Also make sure the door striker is aligned.
Do you know something that should be added to this article? Post your comments in the myturbodiesel.com forums