Noise from Door Hinge Area When Opening Door (Install Reinforcement/Brackets)

Some customers may comment on noise coming from the hinge area when opening the door.

The sheet metal around the check link attaching holes may be cracked.

Install reinforcement and brackets to the door inner panel using the following the procedure:

1. For additional information during this procedure, refer to the Doors sub-section of the Service Manual.
2. Disable the SIR system.
3. Remove the door panel trim extension.
4. Remove the door lock knob.
5. Remove the door switch assembly.
6. Remove the tweeter speaker grill plate.
7. Remove the door panel screws.
8. Remove the OSRV mirror.
9. Remove the speaker.
10. Remove the door water deflector.
11. Remove the side door impact sensor plate rivets and plate.
12. Remove the front run channel bolts.
13. Tape off the door and fender edges to prevent damage.
14. Remove the door check link.
15. Disconnect the pass through harness between the door and fender.
16. Support the door for removal.

Figure 1




17. Remove the door hinge pins using Kent Moore Tool J 42081. See Figure 1.
18. Remove the door.
19. Remove the check link.

Figure 2




20. Drill out the check link bracket welds and remove bracket. See Figure 2.

Figure 3




21. Cut one of the two reinforcement plates on each side by 10 mm (3/8 in). See Figure 3.
22. Pre-paint both reinforcement plates and new check link bracket.

Figure 4




23. Locate the new check link bracket inside the door. Dimension A is 27 mm (1 3/16 in), Dimension B is 29 mm (1 5/16 in). Mark the position. See Figure 4.
24. Plug weld the eight weld locations.
25. Refinish the front door shell.
26. Assemble the reinforcement plates and check link to the door. The longer of the two reinforcements goes between the check link and new bracket and the shorter one goes on the front side of the bracket.
27. Install door and mount the parts in reverse order.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: