Door handles, locks and steroids...

[Manhattan]

I'm convinced that people 10 years ago were generally a lot stronger than today. Either that or my doors are a lot harder to open than they used to be.

Everytime a girl tries to open a door, she kind of grunts and uses both hands. Evidently those big buttons that you're supposed to push with your thumb have gotten a little tougher to push.

So my choices are as follows...

1. Hang out with really strong girls.
2. Get a new car
3. Figure out how to make the doors easier to open (I've tried shooting WD-40 all over the place)

I don't really like option #2. I hate option #1.

So, any suggestions on making my smooth ride have a smooth entry.

Thanks!
Peachtree... I mean Manhattan

[Sitting Bull]

Is the problem getting the thumb latch to engage or with the hinges opening? I'm assuming your talking about the thumb latch getting stiff. Mine did the same thing on a previous wag I had. The problem ended up being all the grease on the lever doo-hickey (the part that the thumb button engages) had built up so much crap on it, it didn't have the clearance to move easily. Had to take it apart, clean and regrease, and it was fine.

The other problem could be the door isn't lining up right. It looks lined up when shut, but that's because the door is lifted up by the u part of the latch. If you shut the door slowly, how is it lining up?

If you have to go with option 3, go to Buckhead, you'll meet some strong "girls" there. :eek:

[Ralph]

Aw, c'mon, stronger girls is a great option! Think of the benefits, especially when you're off-roading!

[FrankenJeep]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Manhattan:
3. Figure out how to make the doors easier to open (I've tried shooting WD-40 all over the place)
<hr></blockquote>

Instead of WD-40, try a little grease. The latches aren't too difficult to pull apart. I don't have my TSM close, but there should be some geasable parts in there. If you can't reach some parts, use a silicone or graphite spray instead of WD-40.

I had the same problem with my manual windows. I pulled the door panels apart, and applied a light grease coating on all the moving parts. It made a huge difference.

Hope this helps ...

Frank

[Sparky]

wd 40 is great for unsticking things but sucks for long term lube...It will actually clean all or most of the bad and good stuff out...so use it to clean but relube with a synth. or lith grease...

[andy d]

like just about every other thing in a wag , the doors have to be used. the hinges are prolly bound up. squirt em with pb blaster or some such. then work the door back and forth til it eases. then lube it with white lube.