A bad car door hinge can cause any number of problems. Your door may squeak or have trouble opening and closing. It may sag, forcing you to lift the door up to get it to shut properly. In any of these cases, your car’s door hinge is probably the culprit, and must be fixed or replaced to ensure that it works correctly. Before going all out, determine the cause of your hinge problem.
Generally speaking, a squeaky door isn’t an indicator of a larger problem unless you notice that your door is sagging or won’t close properly. For a car door to open and close smoothly, it needs a layer of lube to cut down on the friction and pressure your door naturally applies to the hinge. Determine which hinge is causing the sound, as your car door will probably have upper and lower hinges. Once you do, apply a layer of lithium grease to the hinge pin of your car’s door frame. Allow it to soak in, and wipe off the excess. If your car is squeak-free for a couple of days, you have likely taken care of the problem.
There is no quick fix to a sagging car door. The problem might be the result of any number of failed components. If the door detent spring, which holds the door open wide, is old, rusted or broken, it will need to be replaced. Similarly, your car door’s hinge pin might be bent or broken — it, too, will need to be removed and fixed with a pin of the same size and shape. Your hinge bracket or bushing might be cracked. In these instances, it might be best to call a professional to have the pieces repaired, but some of the pieces can be fixed easily at home. Exposing these parts as you open and close the door will help you determine which piece is problematic.
Any of the above mentioned issues, from bad bushings to rusty springs, could also be the cause for friction, grinding, or “crunching” as the door is opened or closed. Check first for bent pins, worn bushings, and rust. These can be easily fixed, and a bit of lube will likely keep it opening and closing until you can have a professional look at it. If you have ruled out any specific issue, it might be time to replace the whole door hinge. This is a very labor-intensive job, to be done only by experienced hobbyists or professionals. Take it to a body shop you trust, and see if it can recommend a home fix for you.
