240 DL sedan, 1989.


My spring on the driver's door seems dead, it doesn't hold at all no more...

Can I just change the spring without removing the hinge?

If not, how do I remove the hinge from the car side (opposite the door side)?

Should I get one from a junk yard?


Thanks,
Greg

Hey Greg,

I've had to replace both hinges on my two front doors of my '88 240. It's really not that bad. I found good hinges at a pick-your-part.

To get at the hinge from the inside (car side) you need to take the bottom molding off to get the black rubber strip pulled away so you can take the side cover off and expose the fuse block. There are two screws holding the fuse block on, just take those off and you can move the whole block out of your way. (don't forget to disconnect the battery)
Once that is out of the way you need to pry off the black paper to get at the three bolts that hold the hinge onto the car.

Remember that once the new hinge is in place you may have to re-align the door so that it shuts and seals right. The adjustment for that is in three bolts you remove from the car side. Once I had the door sealing right I actually had to adjust the latch catch (on the body where the door closes and latches) so that it shut smoothly. No big deal just need an allen wrench of the right size and some minor tapping.

Good luck,
Ryan
--
'68 122, '88 240 DL (5 spd)

Ryan,

Did you just remove the lower hinge and leave the top attached? Did you have someone hold the door while you installed the new lower unit? I've got to do this myself and was thinking that I should outline the old hinge with pencil or marker for ease of install.

Thanks.
--
92 244 lowered, Bilsteins, IPD sways, Unitek cam/header, TSW Revo 18x8's - 94 965 Niiice MONEY PIT! - 76 Datsun 280Z lowered, modified head, cam, headers, intake

I haven't done this operation, but I would definitely put a support under the door when removing one of the hinges. The garage jack, wood blocks, anything.
--
1987 240 GL 81K miles

Rope from the rafter works too. Gives some mobility.

If you support the door on blocks or hangers, don't get into the seat to work on the hinge, ok?

Your weight will make the car settle. If the other hinge is real tight, you could spring it or bend the mount.

Best solution is a helper.

Good luck.

Doug Harvey

I only had to remove the lower hinge. You might have to loosen the top hinge on the door connection to give a little play in the door in case the hinge is stuck from old age.

I was able to replace the hinge myself. It would have been handy to have someone to help with the adjusting after the hinge is back on, but not neccessary.

I didn't outline the old hinge and was fine, but it is always a good idea to have a reference point.

Good Luck,

I'm constantly amazed at how easy the 240's can be taken apart and put back together.
--
'68 122, '88 240 DL (5 spd)