Door rattle - issue identified but I need suggestions for a long term fix

[BilkoUK]

Good afternoon

My driver's side door has recently developed a very annoying rattle, which manifests itself even on fairly smooth roads. The door itself must be moving slightly when in motion.

I have been able to solve the issue by wrapping the door lock's "striker" (ie, the metal clasp which is bolted to the car body) with several turns of regular electricians insulation tape (see photo below). This temporarily cures the problem - but within a couple of days, the tape has compressed and the rattle returns. If I put on additional tape, then I struggle to close the door without slamming it hard.

I would be very grateful if anyone could propose a more permanent solution.

Kind regards

 

[pagrey]

The weather striping on door is probably just worn out and allowing more movement. You could replace it to solve the problem or adjust the striker so it pulls the door in tighter. I'd replace the rubber, that's probably the best way to fix the problem.

 

[Rick deCastro]

Good afternoon

My driver's side door has recently developed a very annoying rattle, which manifests itself even on fairly smooth roads. The door itself must be moving slightly when in motion.

I have been able to solve the issue by wrapping the door lock's "striker" (ie, the metal clasp which is bolted to the car body) with several turns of regular electricians insulation tape (see photo below). This temporarily cures the problem - but within a couple of days, the tape has compressed and the rattle returns. If I put on additional tape, then I struggle to close the door without slamming it hard.

I would be very grateful if anyone could propose a more permanent solution.

Kind regards

View attachment 165143

You may want to check your door hinge bushings for wear that will allow vertical movement of the door in its opening when the door is closed allowing the door latch components to "knock" together when encountering uneven road surfaces.

 

[BilkoUK]

Many thanks pagrey for your prompt response - much appreciated.

Please forgive my lack of mechanical knowledge, but is there any adjustment on the striker? and if so, which direction is the movement (up-down, left-right or in-out) ???

 

[pagrey]

If you unscrew those two huge star drive bolts in your picture the striker moves all around, up and down, in and out. It isn't easy to get it adjusted just right, sometimes it helps to spray some white paint so you know where you started and just play with it. Checking the hinges like @Rick deCastro suggested is a great idea too.

 

[LONGJP2]

Yes, just loosen the bolts. I think it will move both up/down and right/left.
Check door gaps, ridge line (runs the length of jeep), and latch alignment (just before door closes).

If you decide to adjust hinges, remember there's no paint behind them.

 

[KevinC74]

You may want to check your door hinge bushings for wear that will allow vertical movement of the door in its opening when the door is closed allowing the door latch components to "knock" together when encountering uneven road surfaces.

^This.
Bottom driver side bushing on mine was worn to the point it couldn't be tapped out and had to be drilled. Caused a lot of wiggle at any speed on any surface and vibrations visible at the mirror.

Door seal was good and swapping out the bushings fixed mine.

 

[Goatman]

Minimum trace the striker with a magic marker before you loosen it. Or be prepared for a lot of fiddling with it. I also recommend replacing the weather stripping. That water leaking into the Jeep is the next thing that happens.

 

[BilkoUK]

Many thanks to everyone who has replied.... I will try out all of the suggestions.