Topic: Adjusting door fit

[Rolo]

After living with terrible wind noise at high speeds in a cross wind for 35 years, I decided to really analyze the source of the noise.  The noisy door sits 2 mm lower than the opposite, quiet door.  The door hasn't sagged as the weatherstrip tracks on the body are right where they were 43 years ago.  Looks like the weatherstrip doesn't have enough door frame against which to seal.  The seal is water tight, but at 70 in a side wind, it whistles.

I know the striker plate has some adjustment, but I think the hinges need to be raised.  Anyone refit a driver's door and know if there's any adjustment to be had?  thanks.

[rumb]

Odds are high that the top and maybe the bottom  drivers hinge is worn. You can loosen both hinges and raise the door. They are very heavy; a floor jack and a second person are needed to adjust. You can also then adjust the striker.  The striker eyes also wear out.

I have plenty of good spare used hinges and strikers- pm me if interested.

[Rolo]

Thanks a ton. I'm going to run it by a body shop.

[UTn_boy]

If your door seals are old/original then first renew them.  The originals are quite good at being water tight, but horrible at keeping wind noise out. 

[Rolo]

Are you saying replacement seals are better than the OEM seals?

I replaced mine about 30 years ago, but they are fine.  Credit Wurth Rubber Care applied with each washing.

[UTn_boy]

You can still buy OEM seals from Mercedes.  Remember that any rubber part has a shelf life of only 15-18 years.  Your rubber seals are 30 plus!  They're past their expiry date.  With regular use door seals and glass seals have to be renewed every 10-15 years. But.....you mention your door sits lower than the other.  I'd follow RUMB's advice first.  One thing you can do is lift up and down on the door while it's open to see of there is any slop in the hinges.  If so then we know hinge replacement is necessary.  But if the hinges aren't worn, I have to wonder why the door has changed position.