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[GaryBC]

Hi guys

When I open/close the driver's door the effort required to both push it into the various check-strap detents, and then pull it out of them, has suddenly got much harder. Not only that but it makes quite a loud clunk when going in and out  - especially to the wide open position.

I've looked at the maintenance guides for both replacing the nylon bush at the inner end, and the bracket assembly at the door end, but I'm wondering if this will actually solve the problem as neither show any sort of spring-loaded clip which - I presume - is the bit that actually does the work (and is making the noise I believe).

At the moment I'm getting in and out of the car through a barely opened door as the noise and feel of it if I open it too far convinces me it's breaking apart inside.

Will doing the jobs as described fix it? And if I leave it, am I doing any irreparable damage? (I'll manage until spring if I can get away with it!)

Cheers,
Gaz

[albitz]

Replacing the bush can make a lot of difference to a "cracking" door.If that doesnt do the trick however have a good look inside the door to see if the check strap has ripped away from its mountings in the door.If it has its either a repair kit for check strap or replacement door.

[Andy B]

I suspect that the door strap is in the act of breaking away from the door. You need to look inside the front of the door as Albs says - you might need to unbolt it from the A post to open the door enough to see. 

[Kevin Wood]

I suspect that the door strap is in the act of breaking away from the door. You need to look inside the front of the door as Albs says - you might need to unbolt it from the A post to open the door enough to see. 

Agreed. Sounds like more than the bush to me too. Replace the check strap assembly, using the spreader plates as required to repair any internal door damage.

I would disconnect the strap meanwhile to stop the internals of the door getting any more damaged.

[albitz]

Or if you can find a door in the right colour/condition/price replace the door,as its a lot less aggro imo.

[Webby the Bear]

I only had the ''cracking'' and replacing the bush sorted it like a dream.... although I would suggest that the bolt underneath needed more than ''nipping'' as it seemed to easily work itself loose.

however, yours does sound a bit different.

[jonny2112]

This is exactly the way mine went on my old MFL and the worse it gets the more effort is required to open and close it. Eventually the door will break, so IMO you'd be better biting the bullet and getting the parts to repair the check strap 

[I_want_an_Omega]

I had an interesting twist to this on my car. The previous owner had ripped both check straps out - so I got the repair done without too much problem.

However, the drivers window glass had always been a bit juddery at the bottom of its travel. Turns out that a fragment of metal had gotten into the runner for the glass and caused serioud damage to the mechanism. The only fix was a new door - which as it was a different colour needed all the internals swapping over to mine. 

[jonny2112]

I guess there's a lesson to be learnt there!?