Sagging Door

yap123 · Post by **yap123** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 1:31 pm

Howdy,

My passenger door is sagging. So, when I close the door, the bottom on the handle side rubs against the runner board.

Any suggestions on how to lift that end up?

Thanks,
Clint

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 3:45 pm

is the door cracked around the hinge?

yap123 · Post by **yap123** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 7:08 pm

No cracks around the hinges. I just need to adjust it up about 1/8 of an inch.

Thanks,
Clint

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 10:37 am

I'm at a loss. This is a new issue, right?

You've checked the obvious things, bolts tight, no cracked structures. Hinges aren't worn. Correct hinge pins in place, and tight tolerance between hinge and pins.

Those hinges are too beefy to bend easily.

TVST*R · Post by **TVST*R** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 4:16 pm

"Tommy was talking about this problem. It's apparently the "hinge box" weakening inside the door. The proper fix involves cutting the door open from the inside (this work is later hidden by the door panel) and repairing/reinforcing them. Here in Los Angeles, there are several Fiat mechanics who can do it for us. You'll have to check around your neck of the woods. I heard the going rate for this procedure here in CA is $250 per door."

yap123 · Post by **yap123** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 10:21 pm

Howdy,

Thanks, but I just need to adjust it up 1/16 - 1/8 of inch on the handle side. It's rubbing a little against the running board. Can I unscrew the hinge bolts and move the door up a bit?

Clint

spidernut · Post by **spidernut** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 3:48 am

They're is quite a large amount of adjustability in the doors. You'll need an allen wrench to loosen the door hinge bolts. It is a two person job and takes some time to get it right, so be patient. You may need to adjust the door striker and lug once the door is realigned.

Fixitoni · Post by **Fixitoni** » Sat Feb 24, 2007 7:51 pm

FWIW I've been told to treat the fiat like any ferrari, never leave the door open, when parked, never lean on the door at all, never drive down a rough stretch of road with the windows up, because it might break the delicate cable regulator. This is not your father's (fill in the blank)

...having said all that, likely adjusting it will fix I hope, let us know if the problem comes back, I'm curious to know. Never heard of having to brace up the inside of the panel, maybe those west coast boys have big heavy arms?

verycoldfiat · Post by **verycoldfiat** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 4:42 pm

note to self, definatly be very careful when closing the door for the first time after adjusting as even a small move can place the door too close chipping the paint....... bad experience with helpful father in law