230sl - door opening when driving

[keith]

Door can be locked from inside but when car is in motion the door will appear slightly ajar but does not open fully. Even if the door is pulled it will still stay locked but look open.

[ja17]

Hello,

Usually caused by wear in the mechanism. Add a shim under the striker on the jamb. This usally will fix the problem. Moving the striker out, will allow the mechanism to operate in a non worn spot.

[mdsalemi]

I have this problem, too, on the driver's door.  It usually happens when the body torques or twists a bit when going over a rough patch in the road.  I hear a pop and the door opens a crack to the partially-latched position.

Any further ideas, Joe, on what kind/thickness of shim might be necessary?  Or, where to look for wear?

[ja17]

Hello Michael,

These strikers usually have pre-formed shims uder them allready (look in the parts booklet). I usually just add one to start with. They can be stacked. Normally these shims are around 1/16" each but may vary in thickness and quantity. An Impact driver is usually needed to loosen the tough #3 philips screws holding the striker on.

They are the same in sedans of the era. If you need me to drop a couple into an envelope for you just email me know N/C.

Take care,

[keith]

Thankyou for your help Joe, If you could put a couple of them in the post to me that would be fantastic. How much money should I send to you?
Regards

Keith
 

Hello Michael,

These strikers usually have pre-formed shims uder them allready (look in the parts booklet). I usually just add one to start with. They can be stacked. Normally these shims are around 1/16" each but may vary in thickness and quantity. An Impact driver is usually needed to loosen the tough #3 philips screws holding the striker on.

They are the same in sedans of the era. If you need me to drop a couple into an envelope for you just email me know N/C.

Take care,

[ja17]

Hello Keith,

Just email me your address at ja17@att.net  You can just reimburse me for the shipping when you get the shims.

[J. Huber]

I had this problem several years back. I tried shims which helped for a bit but it kept happening. Even had my mechanic mess with it. Turns out, in my case, the problem was that the angled latch on the door side had rounded and was no longer able to "grab" hold inside the chromed striker. I bought a new door latch mechanism from Ray at the old StarQuality and problem was solved. It wasn't cheap -- just looked -- 169 US then. Surely more now.

It sure was pretty unnerving when I'd take a turn under full speed and that door would pop open. Luckily it caught on the second section or I'd have lost a door for sure... Hopefully yours is a simple adjustment. Good luck.

[Naj ✝︎]

Keith,

Also have a look at these threads:

http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=1177.0

http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=5711.0

Also, the later striker plate is much sturdier (see pic)

naj