03 Xterra Driver Door not aligned?

[BeachComber]

Just got a 03 Xterra. I do not believe the truck was in any sort of accident. The driver side door shuts just fine with minimal effort but just before it closes I feel a little "jump" as if it is misaligned. Any way I could fix it?

[pavan]

It was made by Americans what do you expect?

My 2003 Xterra came with the rear door bolt 3/4 of the way out but it was painted all right. How many people you think saw it at the factory and let it go?

[BeachComber]

Originally Posted by pavan

It was made by Americans what do you expect?

My 2003 Xterra came with the rear door bolt 3/4 of the way out but it was painted all right. How many people you think saw it at the factory and let it go?

I hear you. My 96 Maxima was made in J and it was perfect.

[Schludwiller]

Originally Posted by BeachComber

Just got a 03 Xterra. I do not believe the truck was in any sort of accident. The driver side door shuts just fine with minimal effort but just before it closes I feel a little "jump" as if it is misaligned. Any way I could fix it?

I believe you can adjust the hinges. My friend who does bodywork doesn't seem to have a problem doing it. There are limits to how far you can go obviously.

[BeachComber]

Originally Posted by Schludwiller

I believe you can adjust the hinges. My friend who does bodywork doesn't seem to have a problem doing it. There are limits to how far you can go obviously.

Thanks. I "pulled" down on the door a bit, thinking that the previous owner might have leaned on the foor when accessing the roof. That idnt really work. How do I know if its the hinges or the striker? Strangely the door closes fine but its not level, and I can imagine in a few years there would be some structural damage because of it.

[Schludwiller]

I imagine both the door and striker can be adjusted, but am not sure as I'm not at my truck. I would losen the striker and see how much play is built into it, then leaving it lose adjust the door hinges until it's level then and lastly lighten the striker in the correct position. Again, though I've never done it. I wouldn't be yanking on anyting though. You might just bend something that could have fixed the problem if straight.

[Schludwiller]

I had dinner with my bodyshop friend tonight. He gave me some suggestions, but I want to take a look at my truck door in the morning to translate it correctly. Check in this weekend.

[ChuckH]

Yes, the hinges AND the latches can be adjusted. If the door lines up nice with the fender and the rear door when closed then you probably need to adjust a latch. If the door doesn't line up then it's the hinges. Either way it can be a bit tricky, but latches are certainly easier than hinges. You'll probably need a helper and a floor jack, and you'll need to access the hinges from inside the fender (if that's what's out of whack). I adjusted my door a few years ago and it took several attempts and a friend to get it right. Might just have a body shop give you a quote if you're not too familiar with how those things all work together. Might not cost that much and could save your sanity, or save you from making it worse.

Yeah, don't try to bend anything...you'll likely just end up with more problems.

[Schludwiller]

My bodyshop friend said you can adjust the door without removing the fender. Losen up the striker just enough so it has some play. You don't want it moving on it's own, just enough to push it up or down. Losen then hinge bolts on the door, then align it to where you want it. Use a shim to fill in the gap needed to align the door correctly, then tighten the hinge down. Now adjust the striker to work correctly with the door. If that doesn't work, then you'll need to go after the hinge mounts behind the fender like Chuck mentioned. I didn't get a chance to check my own truck (keep forgetting), but it should be pretty standard. Hope that helps.

[BeachComber]

Sorry it took so long to reply. I'm signed up for email notification but its not working.

Thanks for the suggestions. As soon as the temps rise a bit I'm going to give it a try myself. If it doesnt work I'll bring it to a professional.

[ChuckH]

I should clarify something.

You do not need to remove the fender to access the hinge bolts. You just need to remove the plasticware inside the fender. Makes it a lot easier to get to the bolts and get leverage on them. With the right tool combo you might be able to get to them from the door opening, but I doubt you'll be able to get good leverage.