Lubricating Door Hinges and Strikers

[Timp]

This isn't covered in the Bentley manual, probably because it's so simple and I'm such a noob.

Anyway, my doors are getting harder and harder to open. Is this just a matter of removing the 10 mm bolts on the hinge (where the pin with circlip is) and spraying some white lithium grease in there? What about the top hinge where the bolt is facing down? Spraying grease in there will surely just drip out.

Also, my doors seem to be quite loud when shutting. When I first got the car, the actual shutting of the car was precise. Now it sounds like they're being slammed quite hard, when they're actually being closed normally. This could be just my own head, but I want to make sure. Is there anything I can do to make this quiet down?

Also also, there is about a half inch of play on the inside door handle. How would I go about tightening this?

I apologize if these things have been covered elsewhere. I can assure you I have searched the interwebz.

[nando]

I've been wanting to start a thread about this for ages. the lubrication in all my locks, door handles, hinges, and sunroof are quite old, and you can tell things don't move as smoothly.

anyone know what the original grease was?

[Ceeker]

first off, I would get something liquid that can into the hinges. the original hinge post has a graphite sleeve that allows for this resistant free movement. As time passes the graphite wears out. Get a spray lube and spray liberally and work it in by closing opening many times. then you can spray it with a white lithium grease to keep in lubed. door latches and door brake should also be lubed periodically. My guess is that your latch is dry-hence the louder closing noise. keep things lubed. :-)

[Timp]

Thanks for the tip, Ceeker. Couple questions. When you mention a spray lube, is this different than a canned version of white lithium grease? It sounds like this is a two step process with two different lubes here. Dare I say, would WD40 work for the first, followed by some white lithium grease? Also, since the top hinge bolt is facing downward, would I just hold a rag in place for the dripping grease?

[nando]

WD40 is not lubricant. It's intended purpose is Water Displacement (the WD in WD 40).

anyway, I asked if anyone knew the original grease, because spray lithium grease seems to make a big mess, and doesn't really seem to "stick" like whatever BMW used.

[Timp]

I still haven't done this - I sprayed with lithium grease but it didn't seem to do the trick. Also, I did find that Betley says this about lubricating the hinges:

The body and door hinges, the hood latch, and the door check rods should be lubricated with SAE 30 or SAE 40 engine oil.

[Herr Faust Schinken]

i just used a bit of 20w 50 works great my doors open and close pretty smoothly , same with the sunroof rails

[jeffnhiscars]

You may also need a new door brake.

[AndrewBird]

I prefer tri-flow for all my lubricating needs.

ALL OF THEM.

[future rs]

You may also need a new door brake.

Do you have a part number for this? or know where to buy them? My drivers door is in need of a new door brake.

[jeffnhiscars]

Do you have a part number for this? or know where to buy them? My drivers door is in need of a new door brake.

New they are dealer only & mine cost $30. For PN's check realoem.com

[IRON-E]

I have used Silicone Spray before, lithium grease just looks like dried crap after a week or so. I even use the the silicone spray for my camber plates and springs, when they begin to bind. :(

[schtozo]

I have use 3in1 oil to lubricate this without any problems! Locksmith guys use it.
**car pictars is a bonus

[Timp]

You may also need a new door brake.

What's are the signs that these are bad as opposed to just having hinges that need to be lubricated?

[future rs]

What's are the signs that these are bad as opposed to just having hinges that need to be lubricated?

Inspect the hinge. The hinge has a bulged section on the arm. Mine is almost completely worn off and the door wont go into the "lock" position. It will just want to swing shut. Inspect the complete assembly. If you see excessive wear or metal shavings it may be time to replace.