Sliding Door Opening Issues

Hi all,

Opening the sliding door is a challenge on our bay. The handle itself works fine but the problem is that when the handle is operated the rear edge of the door does not open outwards slightly to allow the door to slide. It needs either a push from the inside or a pull on the middle hinge bar. Once the rear edge is out the door works fine both opening, clising and locking. The previous owner stripped the van for body repairs and painting etc then rebuilt it before selling it to me so I do not know if it worked ok before or if he has not fitted it properly etc. I have found quite a few bodges so it appears he was not the most competent mechanic...

Please can anyone with experience point me in the right direction? The Haynes manual is not very helpful.

Cheers,
B

 

Sliding door issues are on my list to do today as well. I haven't really looked into this much so far so may be of little help I'm afraid. But my basic understanding is that the rear edge of the door will open via the mystical power of a spring loaded guider. My problem is the spring bit on mine is far to strong and takes an almighty shove to shut it (or it might just need a good clean and lubrication to make it move more freely). I saw a clip on youtube recently of some guy shutting his slider and it almost shut itself.........annoying.

 

Lubrication of the pivot points of the hinge on the door can work wonders. Those two oiling points are often over looked and yes the spring is a strong one, it has to be to throw the door outwards before the inner edge hits the door pillar.

 

It may be the "keep" on the C-post is too high.

 

oil is your best mate

 

Not too much though or it will run down the side of your bus a is a devil to clean up.

 

Thanks all,

I will give oil and adjustment a go tomorrow. Out of interest; what and where is the device that pushes the read of the door out please?

 

It's under the removable swage panel and attaches to the rear of the door.

I have oiled mine today and played about with the keep but I still need to slam the bugger. I think the seal maybe playing a part in this. I bought the expensive German seals from C&C as well!

 

Mines the oposite. The back sticks out when I close the door and needs to be pushed in.

 

yeah, i have a similar thing with mine.. wont close properly at the rear, wont open properly, the panel gap is WAY off at the rear when it does close.. and occasionally it likes to surprise me when i open it by coming off the top runner and hanging off at a 45 degree angle...... will look at it monday..