Author Topic: Door latch sticking  (Read 1632 times)

Jagoffizier

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Door latch sticking
« on: August 05, 2023, 17:52:29 »
The driver door latch on my 1971 280SE 3.5 coupe is sticking and hard to open. I intend to purchase a replacement latch. Is replacement I can do (I am not too handy) or can my local body shop (good person) do it without any problem.
Thanks in advance!

lreppond

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Re: Door latch sticking
« Reply #1 on: August 06, 2023, 04:46:53 »
Perhaps you need a new latch but I seriously doubt it.  I’m more inclined to think the door is out of alignment.  I’d have your body shop look at before ordering any new parts. 
~Len

1971 280 SL
576G red/251 Beige
4 speed manual
Family owned since new (father —> son)

ja17

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Re: Door latch sticking
« Reply #2 on: August 06, 2023, 05:32:51 »
Put a light coat of grease on the striker cone. If it helps, as Len mentioned, it is probably out of alignment. Those big doors begin to sag over time as the hinges wear. An adjustment will usually fix it.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

Jagoffizier

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Re: Door latch sticking
« Reply #3 on: August 06, 2023, 13:50:39 »
Thank you for your responses. I have read that the lock can stick such that the door stays shut. That then requires the panel to be cut, which I really want to avoid. I will try the grease and have my shop ch3ck the door. It looks aligned, but I have had past problems with opening and closing. Again, thank you!

ja17

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Re: Door latch sticking
« Reply #4 on: August 08, 2023, 02:23:09 »
Try adjusting the striker cone on the door jamb also. It will move when all the fastening Philips head screws are loosened. Try loosening them, then tighten just very lightly. Close the door. Now tighten down all screws tightly. You might also add a shim under the striker cone. Most have shims already.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

Cees Klumper

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Re: Door latch sticking
« Reply #5 on: August 08, 2023, 07:21:29 »
On my son's 240Z, the passenger door was very difficult to close all the way, it was invariably getting stuck in the first rather than final 'catch' despite many attempts at re-aligning and adjusting the mechanism, striker etc. What finally solved this was a very minor amount of lubrication of the latching mechanism.
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II