Replacing the car doors may be required after an accident, or if it turns out that the metal has been destroyed by corrosion. Replacement on VAZ cars is quite simple, so you don't have to send the car to the service station.
The design of the doors on VAZ cars is distinguished by its durability and simplicity of the device. Nevertheless, in some cases, it is required to change the whole door, and not be limited to straightening the hinges and locking mechanisms. Repair work can be done in the garage with sufficient lighting. You will need a set of locksmith tools: a hammer, pliers, strikers, sets of keys and screwdrivers, an impact screwdriver. In addition, a locksmith's vice, rags and a substrate under the door will come in handy in the work.
Removing the old door
Depending on the model, the doors can have a different way of attaching hinges, locks and counter brackets. In classic models, the door hinges are fixed with screws: three on the top bracket and two on the bottom. In addition, there is an opening limiter on all machines. It is removed first of all, after squeezing it with pliers and pulling it out of the groove.
A support covered with cloth or cardboard should be placed under the door. Then unscrew the mounting screws with the correct size Phillips impact screwdriver. If the screws do not give way, you can drill them into the caps with an 8 mm drill. Unscrewing the threaded part of the screw is done either using pliers or using an extractor.
In more modern models, starting from the eighth generation, the doors can be installed on welded hinges connected by a round metal insert. It must be knocked out using a suitable striker of a smaller diameter, having previously disconnected the electrical wires going to the door.
Transfer of trim and fittings to a new door
From the old door, you need to remove the handles, trim, fixed with clips, and overhead elements. Then the lock and window regulator are dismantled. All this is transferred to the new door and assembled in the reverse order. Before installing the casing, it is imperative to check the operability of all installed elements and lubricate the mechanisms.
Installation of doors on a VAZ and their adjustment
Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal. First, the door must be paved on a substrate, then tighten the fixing screws or hammer the inserts into the hinges. After that, you need to replace the opening limiter, and postpone the wiring connection for later. It will take a very slow test to close the door.
If the door jams even before touching the body, then the hinges are curved, they will have to be corrected. If the door was closed without effort, you need to check the gaps between the door and the roof, body, pillars, threshold. The nominal values of the clearances are indicated in the service manual for the corresponding car model. Door adjustment on VAZ cars is carried out by bending the hinges. To do this, the loop is clamped in a small vice, to which the lever is attached, and bent in the desired direction.
