What can I use for my car doors' hinges?

Question

I'm in Chicago & it's freezing!! I drive an old car & when I open some of the doors, the hinges make this noise.. Rust? I dunno & what should I do?

Answer 1

WD-40 is great for cleaning and de-rusting, and in particular for displacing water, but NOT for lubricating (hence the nickname WD-sticky).

Your car hinges are exposed to the weather, so they need a lubricant designed for that. White lithium grease would work and is also REALLY good for the door latch/catch and lots of stuff because it won't stain clothing. But it's hard to get a grease to properly penetrate into the interior of the hinge where it is needed.

But I digress. For a hinge, I recommend a chain lubricant (bicycle or motorcycle), because they are designed to stay in place and withstand the weather. Bicycle dry chain lubes are great because although they are thin liquid, the liquid solvent first penetrates into the mechanism, then evaporates (even in chicago cold) leaving a wax that lasts a long time and doesn't collect dirt. Apply in 4-6 coats, but never enough to drip out the bottom. A second choice would be Permatex anti-seize, which lasts forever. But it has graphite and stains big-time and is hard even to get off your fingers..

If you own a GM car, they are notorious for hinges that wear out.

P.S. It's been REALLY cold here in the highlands of SE Idaho too!

Try meg for lots of fixit tips, though this one is for house hinges.
Goofy sense of humor that is a riot.
http://www.homeenvy.com/db/8/448.html

Answer 2

As long as you do not bend the pins up so much then yes use the old ones, as you will have another pair from the donor car, if you are getting the door from a breakers yourself, if you are get help the door will drop once either pin is removed and then the door will have bent hinges and this will cause trouble when refiitting to your car.

Answer 3

I had an older car(K car) and what worked for me was Lithium grease spray in a can. I comes with a long tube so you can get it where it needs to go. And it will penetrate the works, won't freeze and won't drip off either.
Any auto parts store, Sears or Walmart should have it.

Answer 4

WD-40 I think would be a quick fix, It does not contain water so it should not freeze! Chicago Is cold and my old car make funny noises too!!

Answer 5

Spray WD 40 or some such thing, it should help. I have an old car that makes noise and I sometimes remember to do that.

Answer 6

I use white lithium grease on the hinge pins, and any point where they rub. Helped with the "squeaky-squeak" my 2002 Rio used to make. Do not put it on the gasket though.

Answer 7

Try some white lithium grease Spray them every week or two so they don't ware out.

Answer 8

white lithium grease, get it at walmart or auto parts store. spray it on then work the door back and forth.

Answer 9

Use a lube, WD-40

Answer 10

try some WD40