4.2 Rear "side" Doors - Check Strap Issues

[LeeADAB]

Hi,

Have any 4.2 owners had problems with their rear side doors not staying open?
Both right and left side on mine have stopped holding on the half way and fully open position.
The detent half way along the check strap isn't worn so I will remove them this weekend to see if whatever mechanism should be gripping can be made to grip once again. The check strap isn't greasy and there is no resistance from whatever should be holding it inside the door.
I could understand this wearing on the drivers/passenger door but seems odd on both rear doors that aren't used as much. Both front doors hold positively on both positions.

I imagine that where they don't get used as much, a mechanism may need oiling as it is stuck in an open position?

If anyone knows if they can be fixed instead of replaced that would be great.

Thanks in advance,
Lee

[redlew]

I had to replace both of mine for the very reasons you outline . PM Kingo for the best prices .

[Parts-King]

PM Kingo for the best prices .

You might need a lie down first ....................

[LeeADAB]

I think I remember they were around the £57 mark each? A wooden wedge may be cheaper!! ;)

[Parts-King]

I think I remember they were around the £57 mark each? A wooden wedge may be cheaper!! ;)

your thinking needs to go upwards several octaves ..................

[anchorman]

There are a pair of spring loaded opposed rollers that operate on the surface of the check strap. My guess is that they have stuck in the retracted position due to water ingress. At that price I would whip them off and try to soak them in WD40 and then tease the rollers into life again. Tap the housings and if necessary dip them in boiling oil. Mind your fingers!

[LeeADAB]

PROBLEM SORTED!!!!

I got a quote of approx £85 inc Vat PER side for the check straps. They may have been updated with gold plated ones over the last ten years?
I bought two spares off eBay from a RAV they were breaking but those were even more worn than my useless originals.
So I set off to investigate why they weren't holding. In the hope I could repair them and save myself £170. There was no conclusive info anywhere as to what was inside these expensive little items.
First issue was they are spot welded together. Drilled a hole though that spot and broke apart.

You will see that there are two rubber blocks packed with plastic parts in between.

The check strap works purely via friction. The rubber compresses when sliding across the (metal but plastic coated) strap and uncompresses when it gets to a detent holding the door firmly open.
The plastic bars which the strap slides through had completely worn down.

So with a bit of measuring and designing I created a computer model of the worn part along with extra pins for attaching to the original piece. 3D printed it out of white ABS plastic.

Milled the remnants off the worn piece and installed the new wear bars!!

Fitted it all back together and into the door.

WOW!! It is like NEW again!! Holds strongly and a nice smooth movement.

I even tested it's holding ability on a little hill......

I'll take large offers on the design, computer file and full instructions that I am willing to sell the rights to. Ever hopeful for early retirement. :)

[firemac]

That is a really neat bit of work, Lee. Well done!

[Paulus17]

Yes nice work Lee

They look like those kitchen cupboard connectors?

[Guest]

Quality, could you print me...... I will think of something eventually :)

Gus

[philip42h]

Quality, could you print me...... I will think of something eventually :)

Gus

A whole Gus might be a bit of a challenge ...

[firemac]

Quality, could you print me...... I will think of something eventually :)

Gus

A whole Gus might be a bit of a challenge ...

And would we want another one?

[Guest]

Q1 not a printer big enough, and not enough plastic ink.

Q2 no :)

[Rooftop]

Can,t believe someone,s that clever lol

No hope for me I'd just ave to be a gent and hold the door open mr t can jog on

[anchorman]

Nice work Lee. Not heard of that problem before.

[Hoovie]

A great practical use of a 3D printer there :) couple more bits like that and it will have paid for itself. Nice!

[firemac]

A great practical use of a 3D printer there :) couple more bits like that and it will have paid for itself. Nice!

Presumably you could print an entire RAV (in printer-sized chunks, of course)?? Who needs Mr. T - Ha!!