Side Doors Come Loose

Pete · 09-10-2011, 07:51 PM

I've noticed that although my double doors will start out closed tight, once I get offroad, or even hit some big bumps on the road, the doors will shake loose a bit. They don't come open, but they come loose enough that they start squeaking. I'm referring to the side double doors that access the passenger area, not the driver or passenger single doors.

Any suggestions for a solution to this are appreciated.

SheepShagger · 09-10-2011, 08:58 PM

Sounds like they are not latching correctly before you hit offroad. First I'd check that all of the catches are working, both bottom and top. If not, lube them before pulling them apart or replacing them. If they are, then reset the door's. It's very very common to have to re-set the doors and latches on the barn-style doors. While the bottom catches will usually latch, the top don't. When you shut the door, hold it up high and push it shut with some force, (not slam it).

TwoVans · 09-10-2011, 09:20 PM

There is at least one more thread on this. It recommended silicone lubricant.

The top latch of my left door was coming loose as you describe. I got the silicone spray at my local Ford dealership and it has worked for the past two months with one application.

carringb · 09-11-2011, 01:45 AM

I had to adjust the upper striker outward on a van, because it was doing the exact same thing. If it's adjusted too far inward, the secondary latch won't close all the way. As mentioned above, they need periodic lubrication.

jage · 09-11-2011, 08:27 AM

Close the rear side door by holding the middle of the window frame at the edge of the door and slamming it. If that closes it tight enough then read this:

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=4822&p=61065&hilit=side+door+p antry#p61065

**daveb** · 09-11-2011, 10:40 AM

I notice on my doors, that if the first door is not closed hard enough it will latch shut but might not be fully closed. After closing the second door, if I push on the doors and they move slightly, the first door has not been fully closed. Mine will close correctly provided I use enough force to make sure both are fully shut.

Steve_382 · 09-11-2011, 03:00 PM

I also remember the previous posts regarding this problem and have had the same issue. It does seem that adding lube (I used tri-flow) to the parts on the door that closes first at the top latch helps. At least until a really big bump hits. Haven't tried adjusting the door yet.

Try this link also:

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=4822&hilit=side+doors+rattle