Alfa Pages

BigAl · P4 Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 2995 Location: U.K Surrey

Well i finally found out what it was. The door mechanism! At least i think it is /hope it is.
The plastic part that turns and locks in place onto the door pillar turns freely in both directions with no resistance or locking in place.
I assume this is the spring.
Anyone else experienced this?

Here's the lucky part, I was at Paul H's place about to buy some bits, when my door didn't close properly, doh! so i bought a door locking mechanism of him then and there. I removed the spring tension and it simulates what mine does.

I had to borrow a bungee tie and put it across both front door handles, was an interesting drive home.

For those of you that don't know Paul, he is a very helpful person, has helped me out quite a few times, for which i am grateful.
Make an excuse to get to know him and help him out by buying his spares that he has to get rid of. When they are gone you will kick yourself for not meeting him.

Thanks Paul.H
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x2 33 16v
pictures http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5203

lee16v · Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 3:34 pm Post subject:

I'll second that Al.

Paul, do i assume from your for sale post that you're going to have to get rid off all your spares?

bobbber · Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 4:02 pm Post subject:

I'll third that! Laughing

Top bloke.

Bob
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Fiat Bravo 165 Sport

paulhide · Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 5:35 pm Post subject:

I'll fourth that!!!
Amazing bloke.
Now just give me all your money. Laughing

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Owner's Club 33 Registrar. Now from P4 & S2 1.7 QV
http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5188

bobbber · Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 5:46 pm Post subject:

paulhide · Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 6:53 pm Post subject:

I'm greviously hurt by your remark!
I reckon you were flattering me for cheap parts now Laughing

(which I'm sure you will get if you show your face here)
Long live the 33
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Owner's Club 33 Registrar. Now from P4 & S2 1.7 QV
http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5188

bobbber · Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 8:19 pm Post subject:

I wouldn't try and flatter you for cheap parts! What kinda bloke do you think I am! Laughing

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Fiat Bravo 165 Sport

Oggie · Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 10:49 pm Post subject:

pair of buffdees.
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PHAT 33

BigAl · P4 Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 2995 Location: U.K Surrey

rotfpml
i should change the name of this thread to
"All hail Paul.H" Laughing

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x2 33 16v
pictures http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5203

Ben_nz · Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 5:27 am Post subject:

Or maybe just post on-topic, like
1. Remove interior door trim
2. Inspect spring, which often falls out of place making door unable to latch shut
3. If spring has fallen off but not snapped, bend it open wider so that when reinstalled, it will sit in place more firmly. Reinstall spring.
4. Lubricate locking mechanism and reinstall door trim
5. Check for cracks in door frame where locking mechanism is screwed on. If cracks present, curse Alfa for being rubbish.

I used to have this problem with my main 33, and I got super fast at removing the door trim and putting the spring back on, until I thought to just bend the spring a bit to stop it happening again. Rolling Eyes

I've heard of an independent Alfa garage here who had a whole bunch of new springs custom-made, so common is this problem.
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"Now, all that is left to do ... is wait that something else brokens, to fix up again!"

BigAl · P4 Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 2995 Location: U.K Surrey

hey ben.
Sweet, nice explanation, i was planning to do all that today, minus the tip about re-tensioning the spring, thanks, but i was busy doing pc related stuff.
The first thing i checked was if there were any cracks, as the other door failed in that way, easily remedied with large washers, but there were non.
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x2 33 16v
pictures http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5203

bobbber

Ben, based upon this quote :

BigAl · P4 Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 2995 Location: U.K Surrey

Well, i took off the door card, my hands didn't appreciate being out in the cold and a 5 min job takes my double the time.
Someone has bodged this before as the spring on this side had obviously snapped as it was unwound by a turn and bent over the place its supposed to push against, although it was not doing that job any more. So i just replaced the spring, i cant believe that's all that holds the door closed!!
The door is stiff to open now and i tried pushing the plastic arm rest all the way forward so the internal door door handle gets a good leverage action.
Oh well, at least the door closes again now Laughing

and i can return Paul's bungee strap.
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x2 33 16v
pictures http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5203

lee16v · Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 3:42 pm Post subject:

BigAl · P4 Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 2995 Location: U.K Surrey

I found out what the rattling was, it was the mirror, it is hard to turn but loose at the same time, should i start a new thread for this?
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x2 33 16v
pictures http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5203

BigAl · P4 Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 2995 Location: U.K Surrey

It has happened again, I can't remember if the last time was on the drivers side.
Does anyone have a drivers side lock and could you take a pic of what the spring should look like please.
Until i find a replacement spring, I will have to bend mine into shape but I have no idea what it looks like Sad

Thanks
Alan
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x2 33 16v
pictures http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5203

Brit01 · Gold Cloverleaf Joined: 24 May 2010 Posts: 665

BigAl · P4 Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 2995 Location: U.K Surrey

Brit01 · Gold Cloverleaf Joined: 24 May 2010 Posts: 665

BigAl · P4 Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 2995 Location: U.K Surrey

My rattle was from the mirror Smile

Door wouldn't close properly after having my head gasket done today lol.
So I borrowed a bungee and put it between both door handles

Ben_nz, any news, would be good to have some spare.
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x2 33 16v
pictures http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5203

BigAl · P4 Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 2995 Location: U.K Surrey

Ben_NZ
I think I found the place

http://turinimports.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_41&products_id=1477

skype freecall 1800 888 225
Smile

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x2 33 16v
pictures http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5203