I'm picking up a 2001 Maxima on Saturday. The driver's door is sagging. After reading on the quick fixes in the archives, I wanted to see about just replacing the hinges. I know I can shim the lower hinge to fix the sag.

In order to change the upper hinge (which is the one that is worn), do you have to remove the fender?

Thanks

 

Im not sure about an 01 but I know with my 3rd Gen I didn't have to but it was quite tricky. If it's not a big hassle removing the fender it will definitely make it easier just be sure to put a jack under the door and if you can have someone help to steady it. It's not an overly difficult job but a jack and a second hand definitely helps.

 

Thanks for the reply. I have a motorcycle jack that would work well.I wasn't sure if the fender had to be removed to make it easier to remove the hinge or if it was needed to gain access to the bolt heads to keep it from turning while loosening the hinge nuts.

 

I don't believe even in your case that there are nuts. Just bolts. 4 for each hinge. 8 in total. 2 on the door and 2 on the frame per hinge. Once you get into it you'll see how easy it is. It's really not a difficult job if you can't get a socket to sit tight on the bolts then remove the fender so you don't strip the heads. Just be sure to do one hinge at a time it will make life easier rather than removing both then installing new ones. By the way when you put the jack under the door just put the jack up enough for the door to rest on. Don't over do it and again have someone help steady it.

 

When I replaced my hinges on my old 4th gen, i swear to god i shimmed the door with a pillow.

Flawless Alignment.

 

What crazy is from dec till last week my door sagged and I hated it.... Noticed last week it closes perfectly... Don't know why but I lucked out