How to Fix a Sprung Car Door
A sprung car door is not truly shut but can be pushed in to close. This is a serious safety issue; sprung doors pose an entrapment hazard for anyone getting into or out of the car and are an accident waiting to happen. Today I am going to discuss a technique on how to fix a sprung car door. So let us get into the topic.
What Causes A Sprung Car Door?
A car door that springs open is a fairly common problem, even on newer cars. It may seem more prevalent with certain makes, models, or body types of vehicles. usually the result of one of two problems: improper alignment during assembly at the factory, or wear & tear over time & poor care of the vehicle.
Most manufacturers try to align all doors symmetrically when assembling them to avoid this problem down the road. Still, it isn’t always possible to achieve perfectly level results every single time. So even if you purchase a pre-owned car that’s less than 5 years old, you may still encounter this issue as it can develop over time.
Step-Wise Guide on How to Fix a Sprung Car Door
Here Are the Steps Involved in Fixing a Sprung Car Door:
Step 1: Inspect the Sprung Car Door.
Open the sprung car door and inspect it thoroughly to know where to make the holes for the spring and where to attach its winding wire. If you notice any damage, take help from a professional garage worker who can provide you with better guidance.
Step 2: Drill Two Holes at Each End of the Spring.
In order to fix a car door, you must first inspect it and then drill two holes at each end of the spring inside the frame. Make sure that the holes are big enough to fit the winder bolts into easily. The space between the two holes should be about an inch long. Repeat this process on both sides of the car door, using different-sized springs depending on your needs and requirements. Additionally, check how you can attach the winding wire for each spring to each drilled hole and then tighten it.
Step 3: Wind the Wires of Both Springs.
Wind the wires of both springs around their respective bolts and place 1 ¾ inch washers at each end of the springs to set them firmly into position. Now tighten these bolts using a wrench or other tool that you have handy with you.
Step 4: Use Heavy-duty Washers.
If your car door is not closing properly, you can try using heavy-duty washers on the side of the bolt that is opposite of where the winder wire is placed. This may help to prevent the door from slipping while you are opening or closing it.
Step 5: Use Bolts With Wider Heads.
Test your work by opening and closing the sprung car door from inside and outside, checking whether the door is hanging in a balanced manner or not. Make sure that it does not fall off even if you pull hard on it. If you feel as if more support is required for your car doors, then use bolts with wider heads to provide greater stability and additional support to your springs.
Step 6: Place the Spring Plates Back Onto Both Sides.
Finally, place the spring plates back onto both sides of your sprung doors while ensuring they are aligned well with the holes drilled earlier. Once this has been done successfully, tighten them using a wrench or other tool handy enough for the job at hand. For an additional security measure, secure nuts in each bolt by tightening them further using a ratchet and a long socket head. This will make sure that there are no bolts that have become loose over time.
Step 7: Test the Car Door.
Test the car door once again to ensure that it closes and opens smoothly, without any issues or snags whatsoever. If you feel as if it is not hanging correctly, then take off the spring plates and begin again from step 6 of this guide until your job has been performed successfully.
Precautions While Fixing a Sprung Car Door
- When a door is sprung, the metal part that holds the hinge onto the car body has come loose and springs back using tension in the hinges, which can be very dangerous for you and others around you while driving. So care should be taken when fixing it to avoid danger.
- Always call a professional if you are not sure if you can fix it on your own. Because if done wrongly, things might end up even worse, and you will have to pay more money for fixing instead of just spending a few bucks on getting it done professionally.
How to Keep the Car Door in Good Condition?
You have to check your car door area at least three times a year. While opening and closing the door, if you find any problem with it, do not hesitate to replace the part immediately because delaying it can pay you very badly.
You can find several problems with your car’s door, but first, check the connection mainly. One of the common issues found out in the cars that mostly get damaged is that you often forget to close the back seat when parking over there, even if you park on the roadside and keep it closed. So this kind of stuff should be checked at least seasonally while washing or changing your oil stand each time it open and check whether any water seeps inside and clean it properly. Also, check whether all screws are well locked from which hinges get attached for proper functioning; otherwise, different issues can pay very badly, like dents on body parts or indoor parts.
After that, you should examine the spring of your car door. This is the fundamental part that holds the whole car door together and can easily become damaged from placing heavy objects on them or lack of upkeep.
Some Helpful Tips and Suggestions:
1. Take a look at the door to see if you can determine what is causing the problem. A few things could be causing a sprung car door, such as the hinges, the latch, or the screws that hold the door in place.
2. If you can’t determine what is causing the problem, try gently moving the door in all directions to see if you can determine where the problem is.
3. Once you have determined where the problem is, try to fix it. If it is a problem with the screws, try tightening them. If it is a problem with the latch, try lubricating it. If it is a problem with the hinges, try adjusting them.
4. If you cannot fix the problem, you may need to take the car door to a mechanic.
5. Always be careful when working on a car door, as it is a very delicate and important part of the car. If you are not sure what you are doing, it is best to leave it to the professionals.
6. Always make sure the car is parked on a level surface before you start working on it. This will help ensure that the door is stable and will not fall on you while trying to fix it.
7. Always wear safety goggles when working on a car door. This will protect your eyes in case anything goes wrong.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Fixing a Sprung Car Door:
1. Not Checking the Hinges:
The first step in fixing a sprung car door is to check the hinges. They may be loose, which is causing the door to sag. If this is the case, tighten the screws or bolts that hold them.
2. Not Measuring Correctly:
Before you start to fix the door, take some measurements to make sure you are ordering the correct size of the replacement part. This will save you time and money in the long run.
3. Not Following the Directions:
Make sure to read and follow the directions with the replacement part. This will ensure that you install it correctly and that it lasts long.
4. Not using the Right Tools:
Having the right tools can make a job a lot easier. Make sure you have a screwdriver, drill, level, and tape measure before you start fixing the door.
5. Not Checking for Damage:
It is important to check for any damage that may have been done to the car door when it was sprung. If there is any visible damage, it will need to be fixed before the door can be properly repaired.
Why Should You Fix a Sprung Car Door?
There are a few reasons why you should fix a sprung car door. First, a sprung door can be dangerous. If the door pops open while driving, it could cause an accident.
Second, a sprung door can damage the car. The hinges may wear out faster if the door is constantly bouncing up and down, and the door may not close properly if it’s sprung. Finally, a sprung door can make getting in and out of the car difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Bend a Car Door Back in Place?
If your car door is bent, it might be able to be fixed by bending the hinges back into place. But some cars might need help from a professional to get the door back to normal.
Can a Bent Car Door Be Fixed?
It is possible to fix a bent car door, but it will require some specialized tools and knowledge. The first step is to determine the extent of the damage. If the door is only slightly bent, you can try to fix it yourself using a few simple tools. However, if the door is severely bent or damaged, you will need to take it to a mechanic for repair.
Do Car Door Hinges Wear Out?
Yes, car door hinges do wear out over time. They can become loose and cause the door to swing open when you try to close it. This can be dangerous if you are driving and the door opens while you are driving.
Conclusion
Nowadays, many companies are producing car door springs. Still, if you want to replace them, you have to do proper deep research on the internet about their quality and performance because some can easily fall off within a year. But I hope the information stated above will surely help you learn how to fix a sprung car door. Of course, you must follow the steps properly. Have a nice day!
You may read also – How to Soundproof a Car Door
Angela Ervin
Angela is the executive editor of DIY quickly. She began her career as an interior designer before applying her strategic and creative passion to lifestyle and home. She has close to 15 years of experience in creative writing and online content strategy for housekeeping, home decorations as well as other niche efforts. She loves her job and has the privilege of working with an extraordinary team. She lives with her husband, two sons, and daughter in Petersburg. When she's not busy working she spent time with her family.
