It's an '84 Toyota Corolla. If I open the door it is hard to close. The best way to do it is to push the lock down and close it firmly but sometimes this doesn't work so my bf sprays WD40 somewhere in the door mechanism. Any other suggestions?
2006-08-18 08:51:03 · 8 answers · asked by Dellajoy 6 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I can't afford a new car.
I just spent a pile of money to get it through inspection (included new tires though which is important to me anyways).
I'm just lucky to have the use of this car since I wrecked my much nicer car.
2006-08-18 09:01:42 · update #1
usually something like that is caused by sticky (i.e., corroded) lock mechanism parts, which can either be freed up with a penetrating lubricant (like the wd-40 your boyfriend is spraying in there) or worst case, replacing the offending parts. one thing you might want to take a look at is the door striker pin- the little pin on the car that the lock mechanism contacts and then closes around to lock. they wear out over time, so you can look for a a groove or worn section in it (compare it to one on a door that stays shut) and either replace it or readjust (consult a haynes manual or the like) so it shuts. either way, parts for something like this should be pretty inexpensive, and your toyota dealer or a junkyard can provide you with one.
2006-08-18 09:02:15 · answer #1 · answered by lucas g 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like something in the lock mechanism or linkage is either worn out or sticking. When the b/f puts WD-40 on it, does that fix the problem for a while? If so, it is probably sticking -- maybe try using something thicker than WD-40, which really just drips off or evaporates after a short while. White lithium grease can be bought in a spray can in most auto parts stores and is much thicker than WD-40 so it doesn't drip off. If that doesn't work, you may need to get a new door from a junk yard.
2006-08-18 09:41:05 · answer #2 · answered by nuclear_science 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That era of car has two common problems to deal with. One, the door latch mechanism gets "gummed" up and spraying a penetrating oil in it will help, but completely cleaning and re-greasing it is best. Two, the hinges on your doors wear out and the door will sag, making the latch and pin mechanism misaligned, therefore the door is hard to shut completely. The hinges need to either be replaced and the door re-aligned, or the door re-aligned with the bad hinges for the time being.
2006-08-18 09:04:08 · answer #3 · answered by rex_rrracefab 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Isn't there a way to get it fixed.
Like at a mechanic?
2006-08-18 09:11:32 · answer #4 · answered by Becky 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you're driving alone, you should have all of the passenger doors locked anyway (and yours as well). i hate to be an alarmist, but some carjackings start with someone hopping in while you're at a stop. it happened to my friend's mom in CA.
2006-08-18 09:05:54 · answer #5 · answered by buffysummers 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Try replacing the striker, if that dosent work then replace the lock.
2006-08-18 09:00:58 · answer #6 · answered by Harley 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
take it to a real mechanic
2006-08-18 08:58:13 · answer #7 · answered by corwinnn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
GET A NEW CAR!!!
2006-08-18 08:56:01 · answer #8 · answered by somebody 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋