bigpopaj369

iTrader: (2)

unbolt the door hinge on the bottom and stick flat washers in place then bolt it back up 10 min job max. did mine a few months ago works perfect!

xspanishxkidx

iTrader: (1)

i have the same problem it sags down a bit and its harder to close the door sometimes because I feel it won't fit

mandyfig

Put in a 1/8" washer in the bottom hinge, and the sag is gone. Several write ups on this. Search.

03kodiak

When I got my car inspected, while I was talkin with the guy I told him that was my one complaint with my car.
Being a big guy, He just lifted up on my drivers door, bending the hinge back to where it used to be, and now it closes like new haha

Sermax02

My 02 sags also, both front doors. Picking up a new set of hinges soon.

mandyfig

Now that's brute force. Unfortunately the sag will come back and it will be back with a vengeance.

ZGadson

Fixed in 5 minutes for 80 cents.

1) Get RUBBER WASHERS from a hardware store. (1st pic)
2) Remove both of the nuts on the lower door hinge and loosen the nuts on the top.
3) Use a jack to raise the door. Place the jack towards the rear of the door.
(See 2nd pic - this raises the door enough that you only have to lift it a little to put on the washers.)
4) Remove jack, rebolt everything. Enjoy your realigned door.

*EDIT: You don't have to use rubber washers, I just saw them and figured they'd work best - hinge has more contact with every part of the washer that way. With a metal washer your hinge 'might' be a bit more flimsy. (I know it sounds backwards, but the logic is there.)

PulsarGTS

iTrader: (6)

Is that all, might as well knock it out today then.

ZGadson

Unbolting your car door sounds intimidating, but really, it was so easy it pissed me off that I didn't do it 2 years ago when the sagging started.

PulsarGTS

iTrader: (6)

I know thats what I was thinking this whole time. I went out and did right after posting that and was done in like 8 mins. That door has been sagging for the last 3 years and its only took 8mins to fix....Live and learn I guess.

ZGadson

What kind of "shims" did you end up using?

PulsarGTS

iTrader: (6)

I just happen to have some washer laying around that were just large enough to fit over the bolts actually.lol

mandyfig

Fantastic fix. My other car is showing the same issue might as welll do it, too.

bigpopaj369

iTrader: (2)

omg i know same here! except it was like that for 3 1/2 years for me lol

kbohip

The difference in build quality and especially cost cutting from the 3rd gens. to the 5th gens. is astonishing. I have all the same problems, except I have cloth seats which are very high quality so far. Road noise is way better on 5th gens coming from 3rd gens too. What's bad are things that should have never, ever been done to Nissan's "flagship" car like the straight axle in back. It ruins the ride and handling of the car. My wife's '91 feels like a 300ZX compared to mine. Oh well, at least the car has been very reliable except for these minor issues. The 3.5 really does make up for a lot of those minor annoyances too.

Now my passenger side door is not shutting right. I can only assume it's the door sagging. Strange though as the driver's door gets used at least 10 times more and it's still working good. I think instead of using rubber washers I'll go with some decent stainless steel ones though. The rubber fix won't last long imo as it will compress with age as well as dry rot or be eaten by salt mist, etc.

efanatic

I just did the same on my 2000 maxima as my door was sagging a bit. So far its holding now for a month. I had to do it on my 01sentra and 02 sentra ser too. Also had to do it on my 1991 s-10 and s-15.

tommymax

How come nobody just rebuilt the hinges wit a kit ?

efanatic

do you have a link or part # for the kit?

tommymax

They have a universal ones I have used for a mustang. But, after looking at it I dont know if it is a good idea to get the pins out you would have to grind then out. My mustang just had clips and popped the pins out and put in new bronze guides. The door sagging is from the pins and bushings wearing out.

ZGadson

Because its easier to spend 5 minutes, and work 'wit' parts you likely already have. (And the kit probably involves complete removal of the door.)

Bonez21

iTrader: (1)

Common problem, i recall seeing a thread on here about inserting metal washer on the hinges to resolve the problem. For a few bucks it seems to be the most cost efficient fix...

mandyfig

The washer is the most practical solution to a sag.

aleem

wow i thought i was the only one

nissandrvr98

iTrader: (3)

actually did mine mon nite-ill snap some pics on lunch but sag is GONE. door opens and closes like brand frickin new. best $0.54 i ever spent.

pic of washers in

FatRabbitBlackMax

I'm so glad this problem of 4 yrs is a simple fix.

NismoAce

iTrader: (6)

I fixed the same way. I agree best fix for so cheap..

My story http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...-door-fix.html