My door wiggles after hinge pin replacement

I just replaced the pins and bushings on my 1994 Suburban and now the door wiggles! It opens and closes quite nicely but when I'm running down the road it wiggles and rattles. I'm wondering if maybe the striker needs to be adjusted or replaced? The bouncy rear view mirror is crazy irritating!!

Thanks y'all

You could check that. Your hinge may be worn as well - could have oblonged the holes.

Nathaniel2g said:

You could check that. Your hinge may be worn as well - could have oblonged the holes.

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This ^^^ open the door and then try to lift it from the rear. If you feel slop then the opposing hole in each hinge is likely worn out - the hole that the small end of the pin contacts with no bushing in it. You can replace the hinges (correct fix) but that's a big job and the hinges are pricey. Or, you can hack them by removing the retainer from the pin end, grind a small clean spot, gently jack the door up from the bottom just to move the gap, and tack a small weld between the hinge hole and the pin. Don't do too much in case you need to grind it out later for your next bushing replacement or need to replace the door (crash damage for example.)

Richard

The dorman hinges arent bad. I think the most expensive one is 60 CAD, so like 45 USD.

I wouldn't do that big of a job and use Dorman parts. I don't even like their bushings...

The OEM hinges are closer to $100/ea but you can probably find them cheaper with some time spent shopping around.

Richard

someotherguy said:

I wouldn't do that big of a job and use Dorman parts. I don't even like their bushings...

The OEM hinges are closer to $100/ea but you can probably find them cheaper with some time spent shopping around.

Richard

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Also a fair point - could also try u-picks for a set that aren't bad?

The lower hinge on my GMC had the issue with the lower hole being elongated. I drilled the hole out to the same size as a bushing and installed it (bushing) in the hinge, it ends up being a bushing riding on a bushing. It works well and I have no slop in the door. I certainly can't speak to longevity but this method is also an option. HTH.

Nathaniel2g said:

Also a fair point - could also try u-picks for a set that aren't bad?

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Factory original hinges are welded in. I wouldn't go to all that trouble to install a used hinge. Replacement OEM hinges bolt in.

Richard

someotherguy said:

I wouldn't do that big of a job and use Dorman parts. I don't even like their bushings...

The OEM hinges are closer to $100/ea but you can probably find them cheaper with some time spent shopping around.

Richard

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Years ago (MANY years ago) Dorman was quality stuff, now it's just typical parts store chinese made CRAP. SAVE YOUR MONEY! ALSO, I recently replaced my driver's door hinge pin bushings with LMC bushings. It was so nice to have a tight, nicely aligned door..... but that was ONLY till the next day. I drove my truck, went to get out and THE DOOR STUCK. Long story short, the NEW LMC bushings were COMPLETELY SHOT! I called LMC and they said that they had a problem with the supplier (aka CHINA!) but since I had bought the bushings a few months prior (didn't have a chance to put them in) LMC said "tough luck!". Also had a problem with an LMC hydroboost unit. Replaced a leaking one and guess what? The NEW one leaks now too.
FYI! LMC is all chinese made crap. Practically everything out there is chinese and it AINT THE SAME! It's garbage.
While on the subject, NAPA too! Ball joints, SHOT IN 3000 miles! Replaced balljoints, moved to WV, took the truck to inspection and it failed for BALLJOINTS!! I argued with the guy, then got under the truck and checked for myself. Sure enough, they were ALL worn out! Also a NAPA sourced caliper had to be replaced TWICE while it was still under warranty, and guess what (again)? The 3rd caliper is a POS! Piston sticks and wears out pads like crazy. This time I'll rebuild it myself! NEVER AGAIN!! Same thing with a windshield wiper module. Lasted a few months.
Years ago NAPA was a commercial grade store. Couls always get good stuff. Now it's just the same ol chinese crap. I don't know what to do anymore. Even Delco supposed oem stuff (like the caliper rebuild kit I just bought) is made in china, or india or who knows what third world sh*thole!!!

someotherguy said:

I wouldn't do that big of a job and use Dorman parts. I don't even like their bushings...

The OEM hinges are closer to $100/ea but you can probably find them cheaper with some time spent shopping around.

Richard

Click to expand...

Those Dorman (Chinese) hinge bushings are total garbage. It's cast bronze and they literally crumble if any pressure is exerted on them. The little flange at the top of them can be broken off with a flick of your fingernail. I think I'm just gonna spin some up on the lathe and take the recently installed Dorman ones out. The pins are rather good quality though.