Door Clunking

Afternoon folks , my elderly neighbour has a 2004 hippo and when he opens the rear driver side door he hears a clunk , I’ve had a quite look at it looks as though something has come away or the weld has given up. Now I would have to remove the drivers side plastic trim where the seat belt is fed through but not sure how to do this. Has anyone ever taken of the trim and is it easy enough do.
The door itself has not dropped and it can still be used but has that clunking sound, any help would be much appreciated

Sounds like the rear door check strap mount has failed, which is common, if the check straps aren't lubricated annually.

The B pillow trim will need removing, which is easy to do, as they're simply held in place with plastic pegs, inserted onto springs in slots. The plastic panels just need careful easing off the frame, preferably with a plastic trim removal tool.

When you open the door does the clunking still persist as you move it back and forth. At the bottom there is a retaining door hinge to prevent further excess opening. Is this more than the other side passenger door. Are you able to move the window up and down with ease. If the seatbelt faulty at the brake section the belt should pull freely and when you severe yank the belt it will still go on instead of brake.

Nodge68 said:

Sounds like the rear door check strap mount has failed, which is common, if the check straps aren't lubricated annually.

The B pillow trim will need removing, which is easy to do, as they're simply held in place with plastic pegs, inserted onto springs in slots. The plastic panels just need careful easing off the frame, preferably with a plastic trim removal tool.

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Argh boo beat me to it.

Nodge 68 remember it’s a FL 1 2004 , I’m away to upload a video also. Will I need to remove the rubber seals around the plastic pillar ?

Not so clear, here is the issue

https://youtube.com/shorts/EhN22GFdnSE?feature=share

Had a quick look at my gaylander. The bottom trim on b pillar can be lifted away the rubber seal equally can be lifted away. Use a plastic trim remover as this will do less harm. If the access to the strap Hinge problematic. You could remove the pin and pull out hinge bracket.

Removing the bottom part of the B pillar enough to access the strap and is this steal welded or bolted on ?

Not sure as my guess would be welded. Bolted would still be welded to the Piller. Even the nuts fell off.

Ok , can this be accessed by removing bottom pillar B panel only ?

cheers


Riz

Should do as these pillers are access areas for computer arm spot welders only doors would be fitted by a line worker. Worth taking a few snaps of your work to refer and for posterity

Cheers will do

RizzleKicks said:

Cheers will do

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Good luck your now will part of the gaylander crew. Wear your badge with pride.

RizzleKicks said:

Not so clear, here is the issue

https://youtube.com/shorts/EhN22GFdnSE?feature=share

Click to expand...

Yeah defo the check strap weld has gone, not sure how easy the access is to reweld it but unless it's re- spot welded it won't do much for the paint work I shouldn't imagine.

Folks , a quick update got the B pillar cover of and managed to access where the bracket sits & can confirm the weld has gone. Now it’s a tight space and welding I don’t think will be an option as it will. A whole seat out etc which won’t come out easy as the bolts will be rusted in after 17 years of being in Scotland. Any ideas on what I can do rather than having to re-weld

I don't know about the welding, but the seat should come out easy enough - unless they put salt down inside your car in Scotland!

RizzleKicks said:

Folks , a quick update got the B pillar cover of and managed to access where the bracket sits & can confirm the weld has gone. Now it’s a tight space and welding I don’t think will be an option as it will. A whole seat out etc which won’t come out easy as the bolts will be rusted in after 17 years of being in Scotland. Any ideas on what I can do rather than having to re-weld

Click to expand...

I would just remove the check strap & use the door without it, just be careful when there's high winds etc.

That did cross my mind thinking if you get a universal strap or something like the Jeep Wranglers use straps

I drilled one to repair it and fitted with self tappers to the inside bracing so that it couldn't be seen. You can just get access if you remove the centre pillar trim.