T-Bird door

RWBRICK

MEMBER
FORD THUNDERBIRD

1995 Thunderbird V8. The driver's side door will hardly close. To get it closed one has to softly put the door abutting the latch, lift up very hard on the end of the door, then push against the door. The latching rod seems to hit the latch mechanism a little high, but I see no way to adjuct the mechanism upwards. The mechanism seems to function when I finger it. The hinges have a little play, though it doesn't seem extraordinary (however I might not be able to tell). What is wrong and what needs to be fixed/replaced?

I've heard that this is not an uncommon problem with these cars.

Thanks for any help. The door closing is getting worse to the point that once in a while it doesn't close at all and I have to drive very carefully/dangerously with one arm out the window holding the door!

5 Replies

BOOTDOG

MECHANIC
665 POSTS

I'd say the hinge pins and the bushings are worn. Look in that area closely.

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Tuesday, March 13th, 2007 AT 1:55 PM

RWBRICK

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Thanks bootdog. Is it likely both upper ond lower hinges are bad? Or would it be wise to replace both anyway? I'm told that one of the hinges of 95 T-Bird is a dog to get at.

Is fixing the hinge(s) and then putting the big heavy door back in the correct position hard for a couple of decent shade tree mechanics with a hydrolic floor jack?

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Tuesday, March 13th, 2007 AT 5:03 PM

BOOTDOG

MECHANIC
665 POSTS

Replace one hinge at a time, if you're replacing the whole hinge, or if the bushings and hinge pins are the only thing that is worn you can just replace those. Do them one at a time too so you don't have to remove the door. Good luck on your repairs.

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Tuesday, March 13th, 2007 AT 8:17 PM

RWBRICK

MEMBER
5 POSTS

I'm wearing out my welcome, but a couple of nits: 1) does the hinge need to be removed to replace the pin and bushing? 2) Does replacing pin and bushing require and special tools, presses?

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Wednesday, March 14th, 2007 AT 11:27 AM

BOOTDOG

MECHANIC
665 POSTS

Special tools do help but not necessarily needed. The trick is to knock out the old bushings and pins and knocking in the new. I've done on vehicles with a punch and a hammer. However you feel more comfortable doing it is your call. Just when you do it do one at a time, so the door doesn't have to come off. Good luck on your repairs