Doors bind with fenders
gpgt98
04-09-2014, 11:30 AM
I know this isn't a mechanical issue but still hoping someone can help. I have a '98 GPGT 2 door and just over this past winter the doors started to bind with the fenders. Is there a fix to this? I am afraid soon it will get so bad that it will bend the fender in. ( that happened to my wives '01 GP ) Thanks for any info/ help.
Tech II
04-09-2014, 05:37 PM
Was the door or fender, hit or bent? How does the gap between the door and fender compare to the opposite side? When door is closed, is the fender flush with the door, or pushed in? If it is, just pull it outward a little....with the door all the way open, you can get your hands behind the fender and give it a little outward tug, so it clears the door....
gpgt98
04-09-2014, 09:20 PM
Neither the door or the fender were damaged in any way. The gap on the side that binds is very small. It catches the fender but does not hold it to where it bends it inward. I am not sure if the fender can be adjusted. The door opens and shuts fine besides catching about the middle of the fender.
rkvons
04-10-2014, 12:30 PM
Well I would compare the gap at the rear of the door with the gap on the passenger side and verify that the door has not moved on you. Then, I would loosen all the bolts that hold the fender on, stick a wood shim in between the door and fender, align the gap along the hood and everywhere else, and tighten the bolts back up.
FISH96
05-11-2014, 07:39 PM
you should do or have done a very detailed undercarriage inspection.
you seem to be saying this is a recent occurrence.
you may find the frame itself is rusting through especially in the location forward of the rear wheel wells. This rusting may be hidden by the rocker panels. If the rocker panels are rusting in this area inspect both left and right side very carefully. The frame may becoming weak enough to flex/sag/bow causing the rubbing. This condition makes the vehicle unroadworthy and dangerous, as in break at the weak frame points.
measuring does nothing. why is the gap closing? I must assume you have inspected the hinge assemblies for play. Both sides rubbing could be the tip off of a sagging/flexing/bowing frame.
ps noticed you are in Wisconsin salt use in extensive in winter. vehicle is 16 years old both equal corrosion. please inspect to remain safe.
you seem to be saying this is a recent occurrence.
you may find the frame itself is rusting through especially in the location forward of the rear wheel wells. This rusting may be hidden by the rocker panels. If the rocker panels are rusting in this area inspect both left and right side very carefully. The frame may becoming weak enough to flex/sag/bow causing the rubbing. This condition makes the vehicle unroadworthy and dangerous, as in break at the weak frame points.
measuring does nothing. why is the gap closing? I must assume you have inspected the hinge assemblies for play. Both sides rubbing could be the tip off of a sagging/flexing/bowing frame.
ps noticed you are in Wisconsin salt use in extensive in winter. vehicle is 16 years old both equal corrosion. please inspect to remain safe.
Automotive Network, Inc., Copyright ©2025