First take a long screwdriver and pop the spring out of the top hinge (watch your eyes) Make a note so you know exactly where it goes when you reinstall it.
Open the door wide open and support it from underneath (Pop crate and some blocks etc.)
Have an assistant hold the door while you remove the retainers on the pins and the pins themselves.
Slide the door out just enough to access the bushings.
Carefully tap out the bushings and replace them with new ones. (Remember there are 2 different sizes of bushings)
When you replace the bushings remember not to hit them too hard or you will bend the hinge ears.
Also the material the new bushings are made of is brittle so take your time and do not damage them, hit them square and not on the edge.
Inspect the pins for wear, if there is any groove at all replace them with new ones.
I recommend that you buy your pins and bushings from the dealer. (They fit better and last 3 times as long, however they aren't cheap.)
Carefully slide the door back onto the hinges and reinstall pins. (You will need a retainer for the top hinge pin but don't worry about the one on the bottom because the pin cant fall upwards)
Now you will need a special spring compresser to reinstall the door spring on the top hinge, they cost approx. $30. And are worth every penny.
Compress the spring and slide it into place, the slowly release it ensuring it stays in the points.
You may have to wiggle the tool and give it a tug to get it out.
Thats about it. Your first time will take about an hour. If you have to do it again it will take you half that time.
Good luck!
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Saturday, December 29th, 2007 AT 8:36 PM
