Door Alignment - Front

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Lincoln Town Car. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Material

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Hinge and striker adjustments

NOTE: To correctly align the doors, adjust the hinges and the door latch strikers. Adjusting the hinge affects the positioning of the outside surface of the door. Adjusting the door latch striker affects the alignment of the door relative to the weatherstrip and the door closing characteristics.

Measure the clearance between the front fender and the front door.

Fig 2: Measuring Front Fender-To-Front Door Clearance
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Measure the clearance between the front door and the rear door.

Fig 3: Measuring Front Door-To-Rear Door Clearance
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Hinge adjustment
Mark the door and door hinge for reference.

Fig 4: Marking Door-To-Door Hinge Reference
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Loosen the hinge to door bolts enough to permit movement.

Fig 5: Loosening Hinge-To-Door Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Adjust the door as necessary.
Tighten the hinge to door bolts.

Fig 6: Tightening Hinge-To-Door Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Striker adjustment
Loosen the door latch striker bolt enough to permit movement.

Fig 7: Loosening Door Latch Striker Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Adjust the door latch striker as necessary.

Fig 8: Adjusting Door Latch Striker
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Tighten the door latch striker bolts.

Fig 9: Tightening Door Latch Striker Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Hinge and striker adjustments
Check the adjustment and repeat as necessary.
Lubricate the hinges and door check arms with multi-purpose grease spray.