Drivers side door hinge replacement
Raezor
12-07-2005, 10:33 AM
I have a 99 Grand prix GT. I need to replace the the hinges on the drivers side front door. I have a couple of hinges from the wreckers. Is this a job I can do myself? and does anyone know of a referance on the web that I can use for the job thay may include some pictures?
Thanks,
Ray.
Thanks,
Ray.
BNaylor
12-07-2005, 02:12 PM
No pics or guides that I know of but here is a general procedure off the top of my head.
Replacing the door hinges can be DIY. The problem is not so much removing the hinges although that isn't as easy as it may seem is getting the alignment correct including the gap to front fender and getting the latch to make correctly, etc.
The key is to remove the door. The front fender prevents you from getting to certain bolts on each hinge. There should be a total of 5 13mm bolts that hold the hinge to the door and body. Two door side and 3 body side. You can use 13mm open/box end wrenches and 3/8 " drive 13mm socket. A universal joint adapter may come in handy.
You'll need two people to do the job. A jackstand will come handy to set the door on. Make an outline of each hinge with a marker so when you put it back on it will be close to the original hinges. Do this door side and body side. Then all you need to is remove the two bolts door side on each hinge. The door will come off but movement will be limited by the electrical/umbilical cable for power windows, door locks and speakers. You can undo the rubber grommets on the electrical cable which will give you some leeway. Hold steady and place on the jackstand or anything suitable to hold the weight of the door. Now you will have access to the upper and lower hinges for removal. The body side has 3 13mm bolts on each hinge. Try to get the replacement hinges within the markings made earlier. Fasten all bolts snugly and see how far off the alignment is by slowly closing the door.
The hard part will be getting the door aligned which will take patience because the same bolts that hold the hinges are used for adjusting the door. Good luck!
Replacing the door hinges can be DIY. The problem is not so much removing the hinges although that isn't as easy as it may seem is getting the alignment correct including the gap to front fender and getting the latch to make correctly, etc.
The key is to remove the door. The front fender prevents you from getting to certain bolts on each hinge. There should be a total of 5 13mm bolts that hold the hinge to the door and body. Two door side and 3 body side. You can use 13mm open/box end wrenches and 3/8 " drive 13mm socket. A universal joint adapter may come in handy.
You'll need two people to do the job. A jackstand will come handy to set the door on. Make an outline of each hinge with a marker so when you put it back on it will be close to the original hinges. Do this door side and body side. Then all you need to is remove the two bolts door side on each hinge. The door will come off but movement will be limited by the electrical/umbilical cable for power windows, door locks and speakers. You can undo the rubber grommets on the electrical cable which will give you some leeway. Hold steady and place on the jackstand or anything suitable to hold the weight of the door. Now you will have access to the upper and lower hinges for removal. The body side has 3 13mm bolts on each hinge. Try to get the replacement hinges within the markings made earlier. Fasten all bolts snugly and see how far off the alignment is by slowly closing the door.
The hard part will be getting the door aligned which will take patience because the same bolts that hold the hinges are used for adjusting the door. Good luck!
Raezor
12-15-2005, 09:03 PM
Thanks for the great reply! It will be my guide!
No pics or guides that I know of but here is a general procedure off the top of my head.
Replacing the door hinges can be DIY. The problem is not so much removing the hinges although that isn't as easy as it may seem is getting the alignment correct including the gap to front fender and getting the latch to make correctly, etc.
The key is to remove the door. The front fender prevents you from getting to certain bolts on each hinge. There should be a total of 5 13mm bolts that hold the hinge to the door and body. Two door side and 3 body side. You can use 13mm open/box end wrenches and 3/8 " drive 13mm socket. A universal joint adapter may come in handy.
You'll need two people to do the job. A jackstand will come handy to set the door on. Make an outline of each hinge with a marker so when you put it back on it will be close to the original hinges. Do this door side and body side. Then all you need to is remove the two bolts door side on each hinge. The door will come off but movement will be limited by the electrical/umbilical cable for power windows, door locks and speakers. You can undo the rubber grommets on the electrical cable which will give you some leeway. Hold steady and place on the jackstand or anything suitable to hold the weight of the door. Now you will have access to the upper and lower hinges for removal. The body side has 3 13mm bolts on each hinge. Try to get the replacement hinges within the markings made earlier. Fasten all bolts snugly and see how far off the alignment is by slowly closing the door.
The hard part will be getting the door aligned which will take patience because the same bolts that hold the hinges are used for adjusting the door. Good luck!
No pics or guides that I know of but here is a general procedure off the top of my head.
Replacing the door hinges can be DIY. The problem is not so much removing the hinges although that isn't as easy as it may seem is getting the alignment correct including the gap to front fender and getting the latch to make correctly, etc.
The key is to remove the door. The front fender prevents you from getting to certain bolts on each hinge. There should be a total of 5 13mm bolts that hold the hinge to the door and body. Two door side and 3 body side. You can use 13mm open/box end wrenches and 3/8 " drive 13mm socket. A universal joint adapter may come in handy.
You'll need two people to do the job. A jackstand will come handy to set the door on. Make an outline of each hinge with a marker so when you put it back on it will be close to the original hinges. Do this door side and body side. Then all you need to is remove the two bolts door side on each hinge. The door will come off but movement will be limited by the electrical/umbilical cable for power windows, door locks and speakers. You can undo the rubber grommets on the electrical cable which will give you some leeway. Hold steady and place on the jackstand or anything suitable to hold the weight of the door. Now you will have access to the upper and lower hinges for removal. The body side has 3 13mm bolts on each hinge. Try to get the replacement hinges within the markings made earlier. Fasten all bolts snugly and see how far off the alignment is by slowly closing the door.
The hard part will be getting the door aligned which will take patience because the same bolts that hold the hinges are used for adjusting the door. Good luck!
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