Driver door opens unexpectedly!

[redduster]

Enjoying the afternoon sun, we were out in our 1971 Traveller when the drivers door opened, which is disconcerting at 40mph!

If the door is firmly shut OK but concerned this may happen again.

Door handle does open when closed, approx 1" before operating the lock to open the door?

Any ideas on what could be causing this or is it just fair wear and tear?

Thanks

[firedrake1942]

Sometimes if the door is too well adjusted to fit , it does not quite get caught on the latch mechanism. Sometimes the latch cracks at its weakest point causing movement. Equally, the screws holding the latch and which allow adjustment can come loose and allow movement and a lack of effective locking.

[kennatt]

have a look at the door catch both on door and on frame, you may find that the catches have worn . I had a similar problem with one of mine . The catch on the door had worn ,in that the tip had become rounded slightly. I used a grinder and very carefully re made the tip of the catch to a flat profile. Stayed shut after that,if you do just be careful you don't take too much off.(On a ser11 think its the same on later cars) Dosent matter if you take the thickness down because you can take up the slack on the frame catch,just make the catch face flat again. good luck

[Chipper]

You may also need to remove or at least loosen the latch (chrome wedge-shaped bit) and space it out with a shim, or suitable sized bit of flat metal beneath it and the B-pillar, to bring the latch in towards the door a bit...

[oliver90owner]

If it is not the door catch being worn or improperly adjusted, you might need to look underneath the car for possible welding requirements...... Or don't drive at 40mph!

[redduster]

Inspecting there striker plate, when I removed it a small spring fell out. I see their are 2 small crosshead screws that hold a plate on and this exposes what appears too be a small moveable angled "catch" in the plate.

The spring is compressed and looks past it's prime so : -
1. Can I use another spring but what length should it be/
2. How is the spring retained to allow the "catch" to operate in the main striker plate body?

Thanks for the help so far.

Charles

[firedrake1942]

I am not sure they are worth repairing if the spring has gone. They are not that dear on fleabay.I have never had a spring problem, mine have tended to crack at the weakest point and the screws can strip at the head if overtightened.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Morris-Minor- ... SwfpVZGKvw

There are also sets of shim kits.

I believe that are about £10.00 each new from the usual suspects.

[redduster]

Seems like a sound idea as it will not break the bank.

Thanks for the advice.

[redduster]

New striker plate purchased, fitted to drivers side and still movement in door.

Adjusted max ie into the car and still 5mm of play in the door, but door does hold onto outer part of the latch.

Gaskets inserted, 3mm thick, and still play.

Inspecting the "plunger?" it has 3/4mm of movement back and forward in it. Is this normal wear and tear?

Door safely holds but it protrudes 3/43mm from door frame at rear?

Passenger side locks flush.

Am I being pedantic or should I replace the plunger?

If so is it a straightforward fix?

[firedrake1942]

They do wear, but one thought occurs to me , do you have the rubber washer (buffer) on the dove-tail pin? This assembly is more for location than anything else and does not actually hold the door shut. may be worth replacing but beware second hand they may be as worn as yours.

have you checked body strength as suggested. ?

http://www.morrisminorspareparts.co.uk/ ... mitstart=0

[kennatt]

sounds as though the plunger is not reaching the first catch and is being held on the safety outer one,try moving the plate out slightly.if its not aligned then packing it out towards the door frame will have no effect.If you take the rubber seal off and try,does the door now shut and hold on the main catch,if so then its def a case of alignment