Sab

My driver side door does not seem to close as easy as it should. When all windows are closed it many times does not close on the first attempt and it just does not sound right. Upon further inspection it looks like the door or the lock is a bit low when it hits the receiving latch.
What needs to be adjusted? the door, the lock or the latch?
Thanks,
Sab.

Brent 89-GT

You need to look closely at what is happening when you close the door. When it is closed are the gaps around the door even? They should be.

Does the door drop when you open it, does it rise?

My drives door was hitting the striker on the jamb. The gaps were correct when closed. The door was being lifted up onto the striker.I loosend (SP?) the thee allen bolts on the door jamb and tilted it down a little. Now the door closes perfectly.

I think it just takes a closer look at your situation before making an adjustment. I have not heard of any doors actually sagging on their hinges. The skins are aluminum after all, and probably pretty light for their size.

Good Luck

Earl Gillstrom

Sab,
If the door is low on the latch end, and closing it brings the door up, then you need to adjust the hinges, assuming the latch is positioned properly. If the door is flush with the front fender, then install a shim between the top hinge and body. That should lift the latch end of the door. Loosen the upper hinge bolts and install different thickness feeler gauges until the door closes properly, then measure the feelers and make a permanant shim. Just bearly snug the bolts when testing, so you don't bend the hinge receiver.

DaveW

Before doing anything major, make sure all the door interior trim pieces are seating properly. I thought one of my doors was out of alignment but it was just the lower edge of the door panel which had come loose and was interfering with the door opening and closing.

Cheers
DaveW

Erik - Denmark

Earl,
Good explanation!
I adjusted my doors with shims as you describe, but have one question:
Is the door closing furnishing on the post adjustable?
I tried to loosen this (the hexagon bolt), but it was not possible (maybe due to rust on the backside of the post) – And the Shop Manual said nothing about this
<img border="0" alt="[typing]" title="" src="graemlins/yltype.gif" />

Sab

Thanks everyone, it looks like my door lifts up (1/8") when it hits the striker. Once it is closed, it looks perfectly aligned. I would think I have to shim the door hinge as you describe it Earl, but wouldn't a shim in the lower hinge lift the closing end of the door?
regards,
Sab.

Earl Gillstrom

Sab,

The hinges are in a sort of pocket. It is hard to describe but look at the hinges. The hinge bolts hold the hinge to the back side of the pocket, so when you install a shim between the hinge and the pocket, you move the hinge pivot forward. If you shim the top hinge, you move the back end of the door up. Be careful, when you loosen all three hinge bolts, the door is able to move in and out. Try to maintain the in and out orientation or the door won't be flush with the fender.

Eric, If I understand your question, yes, the latch striker bolts are tight. I used penetrating oil on the back side and an impact screwdriver and hammer on the bolts.

Erik - Denmark

Earl,
You understand my question correct, but missed one thing:
Is the latch striker adjustable or always fixed in the same position?

PS: Now I learn it is a 'latch striker' and not 'furnishing' - Thank you!

Earl Gillstrom

Erik,

Yes, the striker is adjustable.

Sab

Thanks Earl, great explanation.
Are there special shims to use, like for the hood?
It looks awfully tight in there, to get my hands back in there.
regards,
Sab.

Earl Gillstrom

Sab,

I don't know of any Porsche shims. I doubt if they ever made them. Yes, it's tight, but doable.