PappyD
Well-known member
I've had this Jetta for about 2 years. Been using white grease on the door hinges about every 6 months or as needed. My driver's side door was making the popping sound for a few days. Opened the door a few days ago and a metal shim or bushing of sorts fell out. About the same size as a AA battery. (See pics)
I can't tell where exactly on the lower mechanism this part came from but I believe it acts as a sleeve on the U-shaped torsion bar/spring. I just can't see exactly. All the bolts seem tight and nothing moves except there is a slight amount of play in the torsion spring assembly. Of course now the popping sounds are worse than ever as the door opens/closes etc......
I have looked through all the threads and tried searches here and on wwwVortex for a DYI on replacing that crazy hinge. Looks like I need to take off the front left fender in order to access the lower hinge bolt that attaches to the chassis.
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Any ideas or suggestions? A good source for the part?
This is the kind of goofy maintenance issues that make me not want to buy a VW again! I know the car is 6 years old now- but who wears out door hinges?
I can live with the popping sound...for a while...I do see myself spending a day in the garage taking off the front fender and hopefully making the fix without breaking something else. Or, take it to a dealer and spend $$$ to have them do it. Arrgghh- this vehicle is getting annoying!
I can't tell where exactly on the lower mechanism this part came from but I believe it acts as a sleeve on the U-shaped torsion bar/spring. I just can't see exactly. All the bolts seem tight and nothing moves except there is a slight amount of play in the torsion spring assembly. Of course now the popping sounds are worse than ever as the door opens/closes etc......
I have looked through all the threads and tried searches here and on wwwVortex for a DYI on replacing that crazy hinge. Looks like I need to take off the front left fender in order to access the lower hinge bolt that attaches to the chassis.
Any ideas or suggestions? A good source for the part?
This is the kind of goofy maintenance issues that make me not want to buy a VW again! I know the car is 6 years old now- but who wears out door hinges?
I can live with the popping sound...for a while...I do see myself spending a day in the garage taking off the front fender and hopefully making the fix without breaking something else. Or, take it to a dealer and spend $$$ to have them do it. Arrgghh- this vehicle is getting annoying!