Attempting to identify and eliminate the metal popping sound when I open the driver's side door on my 2001 XKR convert. As I open the door, a distinctive metal popping sound occurs at two points - door about a 1/4 of the way open and again 3/4 open. Sounds like metal binding against metal, but see no signs of binding or rubbing. I see that the hinges have a sleeve (spacer?) incorporated in the hinges that appears to be "resistance" points to keep the door from being slung open. Have used WD 40 and graphite to no avail. Now am wondering if it is worn hinges or am I missing something. Any suggestions?

 

we could probably get you some pics of our driver's hinge to compare with, but other than that...not sure if we can help. Perhaps the hinge was damaged when the door was open (forced open further, up...down, etc) and messed up the mechanical operation?

That's an issue I've not heard before on these cars.

 

Funny you should mention this noise. My 99 XK8 does the same thing. Everything functions on the drivers door as it should--window, mirror, controls, lock, handle, so I didn't think much of it. The fit is perfect, except for that small popping sound.

I chalked this up to one of those quirks of having a car like this. But if there are others out there I'd be interested to hear if they had found a solution.

 

I read your post and took a look at my door. My 98 has uppper and lower hinges and a sliding type of bar in the middle. My hinges have no play at all. Mine doesn't make any noise but I can feel resistance where you say you are getting the rubbing sound. Perhaps the door was overextended like H2O says. I think that the center resistance bar can be adjusted.

 

The door has 2 hinges and one check arm I call a damper or stay but regardless of what it is called the stay often emits a clocking noise when it is not lubricated. I use white lithium grease on the top, middle and bottom. Not a lot just only what is necessary. WD40 is great for short term lubricating and cleaning.

 

JAG13CAT, Does your passenger side make the same "popping" sound? May be a good method of comparison....

 

I had the same problem on my 2005 XKR. Tried oil and grease but the problem remained. Then I tightened up the bolt holding the hinge to the body of the car and the problem resolved immediately. That was about a year ago and the problem has not recurred. Space is minimal so you will need a small box wrench or small socket wrench.

Hope this solves your problem.

 

Thanks for the info. I will tighten the bolts on the hinges and also grease the hinges. As a reply and clarification, the passenger side is a smooth operation with no popping or metal to metal sounds. I have compared the two sides to determine a difference with the only conclusion being that the driver's side is being opened more frequently than the passenger side and therefore, through use, needs more frequent maintenance.

 

I had the same observation with my car as it was the drivers side that had the problem. I stumbled onto the loose bolt purely by accident as I had no idea it was loose until applying the wrench. The passenger side was just slightly loose but not enough to cause a problem.

 

On Gus' diagram I tightened up setscrew #6 on the Check arm, where it bolts to the body of the car, and the sound went away. It didn't even feel loose, but I guess just enough to "pop". Thanks all!!

 

Good to know and Kudos to you!

 

HINGES FIXED!! - NO MORE METAL POPPING SOUNDS!!! I discovered that the two small nuts of the check arm (see Gus's diagram above) mounted on the door, which are somewhat recessed were loose. A quick tightening and the door swings smoothly.

 

I am having the same issue with my 2002 XKR Convertible, I will try that solution, but I just don't have the membership status yet to actually view Gus' diagram but I hope to have that ability soon.

 

Get that post count up Cope

 

I NOMINATE THIS THREAD FOR THE FAQS!!! A couple of the cars I looked at while shopping for mine made the same noise. It must be relatively common.

 

fine fine...FAQ for popping hinges...geesh. Next you'll want us to add the di-e grease debate threads.

 

LOL! No need to add the entire threads, just allow me to insert a single paragraph with the proper use of the grease. There's no need to distract people with the other half of the argument.

 

I'm trying, I'm trying, I just didn't want to put a bunch of useless posts out there, kind of like this reply. post count +1

 

Do it again!

 

Do what?