Door Adjustment - Weld On

DOOR ADJUSTMENT (FRONT DOOR HINGE SHOWN, REAR SIMILAR)






IMPORTANT: Part interchangeability is not allowed between weld on door and bolt on door vehicles. Weld on door vehicles must be serviced with parts designed for weld on door applications. Bolt on door vehicles must be serviced with parts designed for bolt on door applications.

The door system on the LS vehicle has welded hinges to the body and door sides of the hinge. The pin and bushings are replaceable parts. The pins are replaceable parts. The pins and bushings are removable with special service tools released by Saturn.

NOTE: Removal and replacement of the door hinges is not permissible. If a hinge is damaged to the point of needing replacement, it will be necessary to replace the pillar that the hinge is attached to. Body side hinge components will be available only with the service replacement part for the associated structure. Door side of hinges are not replaceable. If damage has occurred to the door side of the hinge, it will be necessary to replace the door structure assembly. Replacement of the door side of the hinges is not allowed!

Hinge tool J-44007 is used to align the door hinge to the hinge pin centerlines and for alignment to the respective hinge. The tool is marked "front" for front and "rear" for rear binge applications.

IMPORTANT: Do not lift or push down on the door hinge adjustment tool. This would cause the hinge to twist, which could make the hinge difficult to install. It would also accelerate the wear of the hinge pin.

Movement of the door in the opening for alignment is limited to the movement of the door in the fore and aft directions within the door opening. Movement of the door in the crosscar direction is limited to the striker end of the door only. When the hinge is bent to move the door, it is necessary to remember to not twist the hinge along the hinge pin axis. Also, the hinge pin centerline will travel in an arc when the hinge is bent perpendicular to the hinge pillar surface. It will then be necessary to check function, exterior panel fit and flushness of the exterior panels to the door. Also, be sure to check weatherstrip contact and function to the door for proper sealing when the adjustment process is complete.

To move the door forward or rearward in the door opening, adjust both upper and lower hinges in the direction necessary. To move the rear edge of the door upward or downward adjust only one of the hinges. This will also make the door travel in the opening in arc in relation to the pillar where the body side of the hinge is welded to the body.

When necessary to increase or decrease weatherstrip contact to the door, it is possible to adjust the pinch weld flange upon which the weatherstrip is mounted in the appropriate direction. Be sure to verify sealing of the weatherstrip for windnoise and waterleaks after adjustment.