Replacing Hinge Pins and Bushings

[Redonthehead]

Anyone have experience replacing the hinge pins and bushings in a '96 Suburban resolve door sag? Looks like I can buy an aftermarket kit for both front doors (four pin sets - fits 88-99? C/K/10/20) for $20.

Looks like they have to be pressed in and was wondering if this is a job for the backyard mechanic.

[Fred & Gerry]

My experience has been with a Chevy van bottom hinge,and found it not really hard to do at all. No special tools required. It helps to have someone help you . I found it necessary to remove the hinge . Drive out the old pin, push out the bushings, tap in the new ones with a small hammer. Put the hinge back together with the new pin and put it back on. Adjust the alignment, thats were the second person can help a lot by helping with the door while you tighten the bolts. The Suburban shouldn't be that different, if any.

[GMMerlin]

Originally Posted by Redonthehead

Anyone have experience replacing the hinge pins and bushings in a '96 Suburban resolve door sag? Looks like I can buy an aftermarket kit for both front doors (four pin sets - fits 88-99? C/K/10/20) for $20.

Looks like they have to be pressed in and was wondering if this is a job for the backyard mechanic.

If you have some mechanical ability, this job can be done at home.
You will need a door spring compressor to remove the upper hinge spring, a floor jack and a 4x4 block of wood, long punch,vice grips,hammer and the patience of a saint.
This is a physical job that demands a light touch to avoid damaging the paint.
Basically you will remove the door hinge spring, drive out the pins and slide the door out enough to get to the bushings. Drive out the old bushings and press the new ones in, slide the door back into position and install the pins and spring.

[IA-Suburban]

Does anyone have a source or part number for the door hinge pins???

[Redonthehead]

I never attempted this - rather than spend $30 I spent my wad on a new Tahoe. You can buy the hinge pins and bushing at most any auto parts store. You'll need to make something to reach in and compress the spring to get it out first.

[Mark Bundy]

For anyone reading this thread, recently did this on driver side door, used a ladder through the open window of the open front door and suspended the door with cargo straps from the ladder with a 4x4 on the bottom for the jack, was able to do it with no help, just floated the door 3" out after removing pins. Used same pins bushings were 7 bucks for the one door. I have 3 daughters, so DIY is Y only around here.

[IA-Suburban]

Our experience on the hinges was a little different on an 89 suburban. There was a pressed flange from the factory installation on the bottom of the pin. NOT WAY WERE WE GOING TO DRIVE THAT OUT!!!!!!. Although we did try for a few hours.

Ended up unbolting the door from the hinge, and cutting the pin in half.

Hopefully some some can learn from our experience

One man has learned by reading. Three men have learned by observaton. The rest of us have to pee on the electric fence by ourselves - Will Rogers?

[Jeremy-WI]

IA-suburban, I think that might just have been a retainer on the pin, I used a chisel to cut them off when I did my door

[shaqer74]

The tool needed to remove door spring is called "door spring tool". You can find it at Napa part# 770-3818, cost $22. Or online at several stores, just do a google search.

[alblogg]

Be sure to check your holes after you knock out the old bushings or if one of them is already gone because if the hole is "egged" out your new bushing will not last long. You will have to wire weld up the hole and redrill it for the new bushing. Also don't hammer the bushings in they will bust and crack they need to be pressed in a guy in the Blazer section had pictures of a deal he made out of a socket and a nut bolt and two washers to press in door bushings works great.

[Mr. Smith]

Originally Posted by IA-Suburban

Does anyone have a source or part number for the door hinge pins???

Chevy can look the pins and bushings up for you. FYI id the holes are elongated from wear the new stuff won't last long.