BODY AND TRIM

EXTERIOR

Doors

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. If equipped with power door locks, windows or any other power option located on the door, detach the necessary electrical connector(s). On some vehicles, it may be necessary to remove the inner door panel and waterproof film from the door to access the connector(s).
3. Remove the wire harness retainers and extract the harness from the door.
4. Remove the spring pin and disconnect the door check strap. To prevent the strap from falling inside the door, install the retainer into the hole in the end of the check rod.
5. Matchmark the position of both the upper and lower door hinge to aid in alignment during installation. While supporting the door, remove the door-to-hinge bolts and lift the door from the vehicle.

   Fig. 1: Door check strap and spring pin

   Fig. 2: Door assembly and related components — 1993 Laser and Talon shown

   Fig. 1: Door hinge mounting bolt adjustment wrench MB990834

   Fig. 2: Using the special wrench to loosen the door upper hinge mounting bolts

6. Adjust the door so the clearance around the door is uniform on all sides.
7. Tighten the hinge bolts to 12–19 ft. lbs. (17–26 Nm), once the door is in the desired position.
8. When the hinge has been replaced, adjust the alignment as follows:
   1. Install the hinge in position on the vehicle aligning the matchmarks made during removal.
   2. Loosen the hinge mounting bolts on the door side of the hinge.
   3. Adjust the alignment of the fender panel with the front of the door panel.
   4. Once the desired positioning is obtained, tighten the hinge mounting bolts in place.
9. To adjust the door striker, loosen the striker mounting bolts and adjust positioning as required. Increase or decease the number of shims behind the striker to adjust the engagement of the striker with the door.

   Fig. 3: If necessary, you can also adjust the door striker

10. Tighten the striker mounting bolts to 10 ft. lbs. (14 Nm) once the adjustment has been made.