Stiff Door Hinges

[Trev864]

We have just bought a used van which hasn't had much use this year. The door hinges are very stiff and there seems to be a lot of strain on them when opening and closing the door.

I have tried lots of WD40 and oil but to no avail.

Does anyone else have any ideas please?

 

[Damian]

Trev,

You could try this:

Gently prise the black plastic hinge cover caps off the top and bottom of each hinge, it may need a flat bladed screwdriver to help, tap gently upwards, or downwards on the bottom covers.

Use a kettle of boiling water and pour over the top hinge to start with with, as someone else moves the door, the hot water will cause the aluminium to expand faster than the steel pin, which will allow the hinge to start freeing from the rust.

Do the same on all the other hinges.

Follow the hot water treatment with WD40 to clear out the rust, moving the door all the time, and finish with 3in1 oil.

Replace the caps.

If that does not work, then it is a case of taking the hinges off and stripping them on the bench to clean them.

 

[Trev864]

Thanks Damian, I'll give it a try........

Trev

 

[ThePlotter]

Is it the hinges on the top half of the stable door or the bottom or both.It may be they need adjusting not easy as they do not have adjusters you can only loosen the screws and pull the door and retighten.A common cause is not the hinges being stiff as such but not in line which often is caused by water ingress around the door frame which causes it to swell and deform the frame making the hinges move out of line with each other.

 

[emmerson2]

If the van is old, it may have nylon bushes in the hinges. If so, WD 40 will probably knacker them.

Try easing the door upwards off the hinge pin. If this leaves the nylon bush in the hinge, VERY GENTLY put a 7mm drill up the bush. This will give about 1mm extra clearance on the pin. If the bush sticks to the pin, prise it off gently, then drill it out and refit the door. Problem permanently solved. I've done it with all of my own Royales, and lots of club members vans too.