Hinges on side and rear entry doors

[1001]

Anybody having problems with the exterior hinges such as seizing up and making the doors very hard to open and close? If you have what have you done to solve the problem?

[ModMech]

We own hundreds of these, we lube ALL the door hinges and latches at every service, and generally do not have this problem.

[reydan]

I have a 2001 E-350 with side door hinges that have gone from smooth as silk, to unbelievably stiff, making it difficult to open or close the door, all in a span of about 12 months. Lubricating the hinges has not helped at all! As the problem progressed, I would lubricate the door and swing it open and closed for about a half hour. I noticed little bits of what appeared to be copper wire between the hinges. As I picked the pieces out (and there were a ton of them) the door would move easier. In another 30 days, I found myself doing the same thing; removing more bits of copper. The third time, I used a razor blade to scrape between the hinges. I removed a piece of a nylon washer which is reinforced with (guess what?) copper wire! These nylon washers are a bad design by Ford. Who knows why mine wore out prematurely, but I'll bet Ford has replaced them with another design by now. I need to do some research to see if I can get Ford to replace them for me.

If anyone else has experienced this problem, please reply back to me. If there are enough of us, maybe we can get a free fix.

- reydan

[tjj]

Originally Posted by reydan

I have a 2001 E-350 with side door hinges that have gone from smooth as silk, to unbelievably stiff, making it difficult to open or close the door, all in a span of about 12 months. Lubricating the hinges has not helped at all! As the problem progressed, I would lubricate the door and swing it open and closed for about a half hour. I noticed little bits of what appeared to be copper wire between the hinges. As I picked the pieces out (and there were a ton of them) the door would move easier. In another 30 days, I found myself doing the same thing; removing more bits of copper. The third time, I used a razor blade to scrape between the hinges. I removed a piece of a nylon washer which is reinforced with (guess what?) copper wire! These nylon washers are a bad design by Ford. Who knows why mine wore out prematurely, but I'll bet Ford has replaced them with another design by now. I need to do some research to see if I can get Ford to replace them for me.

If anyone else has experienced this problem, please reply back to me. If there are enough of us, maybe we can get a free fix.

- reydan

I have the same problem with my 2002 e350 club wagon. You are correct in your suspicion that the hinges have been replaced. At the 2006 auto show the 06 model has the same hinges that the e cargo vans have(may have replaced these hinges in 03 04 05 models-have not checked). These hinges have had no issues. I was told by the rep at the show to call the 800 number in my manual and complain and let them know that the dealer basically told me that it is my fault for not lubing them constantly. The cargo van hinges are an exact replacement fit for our hinges. The problem is they have to painted to match our vans. I am going to call and try to get them to replace these faulty hinges free of charge, will let you know.

[OkieInNy]

I had a 1992 Explorer and the drivers hinge started to fail. After taking it to the dealer (and several body shops) they stated that to change the hinges the dash had to be removed ($700 - bad engineering). I ended up adjusting the tubulor piece of metal that the door latch meets (don't know what it is called) with so the sagging driver's door with meet up with and lock.

There after I had to manually pull up on the door when I closed it because I refused to pay $700 to get it fixed. I sold the truck with a saggy driver's door.

OkieinNY

[Bkruse]

Originally Posted by tjj

I have the same problem with my 2002 e350 club wagon. You are correct in your suspicion that the hinges have been replaced. At the 2006 auto show the 06 model has the same hinges that the e cargo vans have(may have replaced these hinges in 03 04 05 models-have not checked). These hinges have had no issues. I was told by the rep at the show to call the 800 number in my manual and complain and let them know that the dealer basically told me that it is my fault for not lubing them constantly. The cargo van hinges are an exact replacement fit for our hinges. The problem is they have to painted to match our vans. I am going to call and try to get them to replace these faulty hinges free of charge, will let you know.

I'm experiencing the same problem with my 2001 Econoline. copper pieces are protruding from the hinge. This is most definitely a poor design. I've never had a problem with door hinges. Have you had any success in getting replacement hinges. I called a dealer here in NY and they want to charge $82 for a stinking hinge. Please let me know how you made out. Thanks. You can e mail me also at [email protected]