Grand Cherokee 2WD V8-5.2L VIN Y (1998)
Front Door Hinge: By Symptom
Technical Service Bulletin # 23-63-97
Date: 971205
Front Door Hinge - Creak During Door Travel
NO: 23-63-97
GROUP: Body
DATE: Dec. 5, 1997
SUBJECT: Front Door Hinge Creak
MODELS:
1998 (ZJ) Grand Cherokee
1998 (ZG) Grand Cherokee (International Markets)
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
The front door hinge may creak during door travel. The creak may be caused by inadequate clearance between the inner and outer hinge halves.
DIAGNOSIS:
Open the door slowly. If the creak is present and is coming from the upper hinge, perform the Repair Procedure.
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
This bulletin involves removing the front door and filing excess metal from the hinge.
1.
Open the door and remove the protective boot and electrical harness from the front of the door.
2.
Remove the door from the vehicle and place it on a protected work bench.
CAUTION:
DO NOT USE A DIE GRINDER FOR THIS OPERATION. HAND FILE THE AREA AND DO NOT REMOVE MORE THAN .020 IN. OF
METAL FROM THE AREA. REMOVAL OF TOO MUCH METAL CAN WEAKEN THE HINGE WHICH CAN RESULT IN PREMATURE
HINGE FAILURE.
3.
Inspect the body side hinge half in the area shown in Figure 1. If witness marks are present indicating any wear in the area shown, hand file the
area to provide a smooth surface. Remove only enough metal to provide a smooth surface, including any burrs or metal distortion.
