Front Side Door Adjustment (Weld On)

Front Side Door Adjustment (Weld On)





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 weld on door system on the L Series vehicles has welded hinges to the body and door sides of the hinge. The pin is a replaceable part. The pin is removable with special service tools released by Saturn.

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, it is necessary to remember do 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 weather-strip 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 an arc in relation to the pillar to where the body side of the hinge is welded to the body.

Hinge tool J 44007 is used to align the door hinge to the hinge pin centerlines and for alignment to the respective hinge.

When necessary to increase or decrease weather-strip contact to the door, it is possible to adjust the pinch weld flange upon which the weather-strip is mounded in the appropriate direction. Be sure to verify sealing of the weather-strip for wind noise and water leaks after adjustment.