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Any way to fix the door stops that won't hold doors open?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Galane, Jul 28, 2020.

  1. Galane

    Galane Junior Member

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    All four doors want to close themselves. Is there any way to fix that?
     
  2. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    You can replace the door checks. They eventually wear out.
     
  3. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    Toyota replacement door check is very expensive. You might be able to get some cheap Chinese versions or use door checks from other cars. Some people have but, I don't think anybody has posted anything about do they last. Or if using parts for other cars, how does it effect door opening angle? If door is allowed to open too far that could cause problems.
     
  4. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Yes, you get and install new door checks. They wear out. I got an aftermarket one for the driver door (other 3 are still "new" since original owner was single) that was cheaper than OEM and works fine. You HAVE TO remove the interior door panel to swap it out. There are numerous youtube videos that demonstrate the process.

    On my personal 1-10 scale of automotive difficulty: 3.5. TIP: an automotive trim tool is worth purchasing and are readily available.

    GOOD LUCK!
     
  5. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    On an old pickup I had, when the lube eventually disappeared on the door checks, the rust that developed made them tight enough that they stayed in most any position that you put them in.

    There probably are ways that you could simulate that tightness from the rust.
     
  6. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    Prius door check is rubber against plastic. So not that many.

    Belt grip helps a bit. Use only industrial belt grip as some car stuff is mostly lubricant to stop belt squealing.
     
  7. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Getting them at the wrecking yard is probably the most affordable fix for this...
     
  8. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    But how would you know if they're really better than what you got?
     
  9. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    I had door checks with what looked like white grease on them (maybe added by some overzealous mechanic lubing door hinges?).

    I wiped that off, cleaned them up squeaky clean with some alcohol, then just wiped down lightly with something like armor-all so the plastic wasn't completely uncoated. Door stayed open after that.
     
  10. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    In the US many of the wrecking yards let you pull off the parts yourself... So you could simply go after the ones that worked the best.
     
  11. Kenny94945

    Kenny94945 Active Member

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    Interesting.
    Post 9 is a great first step.
    I like the idea of adding some type of "traction" material onto the door check.
    Or try wrapping the checks with electrical tape as a test.
    All four, door panel removal, parts cost...big project.
    Good luck and let us know the result.
     
  12. Georgios

    Georgios Member

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  13. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    I really don't think that's a good fix.

    Factory Toyota (and also Honda) door check has that stopper at the end to stop the door opening too far. With the (half of) Honda door check fitter to a Prius that stopper isn't there anymore. Door hinges will be stopping the door from opening too far then. That can cause a door or body to bend when door is opened fast to the stop.
     
  14. Georgios

    Georgios Member

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    Yes the door may fall off and the car explodes
    The check works flawless and door does not open too far as the hinges limit it and they are really strong compared to the skinny check which when you open the door stronger you can see it bending the car body which is thinner at this point
     
  15. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    Of course it's not going to explode. And door falling off is not going to happen, even if you would bend the body, door, or hinge. Door falling off would require hinge to break into peaces and that probably wont happen before bending the door, body, and hinge.

    Door check being skinny doesn't really matter as when the door is opened to the stop it will only experience pulling force. If hinges are acting as a stopper they and the locations where they are mounted will experience twisting force.

    Door check is bolted to the door and car body to the area that's further away from the hinge. So the force is smaller there. And even if you managed to open the door so fast that the body or door would bend (a little) from the point where the door check attaches that wouldn't be a problem as the door alignment is set by hinges. With the hinge acting as a stopper the force that is trying to bend the door and body where hinge is mounted is very high if the door is opened fast to the stop. And if that causes door or body to bend door wont be aligned good anymore and probably wont work good anymore.
     
    #15 valde3, Jul 29, 2020
    Last edited: Jul 29, 2020
  16. Georgios

    Georgios Member

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    I understand that. But their original thread is mine and I have done it and the car it's still in my possession and has zero issues. And no complications or problems or possible damage has occurred. The door holds even on a slide uphill. It cannot open far enough as there is a limiter on the back. If you would like to come check it out and report again
     
  17. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    Then the question is how careful you and your passengers are with the doors? How often and how fast they are opened to the stopper?
     
  18. Georgios

    Georgios Member

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    yes I thought about that. On the picture in the link actually it's missing the last picture where the stopper has been modified by adding a pin through made up of. I don't know why I have two pictures that they're the same instead of the last modified version