E350 Sliding Door - Bouncing like Crazy on Wash Board and large bumps, normal for 4x4

[Jolly705]

I have a E350 Super Duty with Quigley 4 x4 conversion and I have had Ford check out the door a few times and no matter what adjustments they make it bounces and rattles like crazy on wash board roads and large bumps. Does anyone else have this problem or knowledge of how to fix it? It kind of drives me crazy! Thanks again.

 

[mgmetalworks]

My slider doors have always seemed to latch very tight so I've not experienced what you're seeing on my vans. I've seen worn out doors before though...it happens. There is one latch/striker at each end of the door, what condition are those in? Is there significant wear on the strikers or slop in the latches? If those have loosened up at all, the door can move around. Another thing I have seen is that if the door isn't adjusted properly, it won't close very well. Are the strikers centered in the latches? What is the condition of the rear hinge?

 

[Bikersmurf]

It could also be a symptom of a bigger problem. How's the ride under those circumstances? I don't know a lot about Quigley... but I do know Agile Off Road has a Ride Improvement Package for them.

Good luck in tracking down the source. I find a lot of new "Mechanics" have lost the ability to use their brains to problem solve. If you've got worn bushings, I'd look to see if 'Oilite' has bushings that could be used to replace them. I've use Oilite bushings to replace the stock bushings on my 4x4s door hinges, and have found them to be a superior product.

 

[Jolly705]

MG Metalworks
The Van only has 10,000 miles on it so I doubt things are "worn" out. I do however feel something is not adjusted properly. Which is why I was thinking of doing it myself, the old saying "if you want something done right do it yourself".

Bikersmurf
I am also concerned part of the bouncing is due to the harsh ride condition. It is super stiff being a super duty unless loaded down with 2-3 dirt bikes, that smooths out the ride. I will check out Agile, never heard of them.

Here is a short video of the door bouncing on a wash board road. It is "better" not but not by much.....

https://vimeo.com/135593877

 

[philos]

I can feel my shoulders tightening watching that video...

Maybe try a bit of 1/4" rope on the inside of the weatherstripping? That fixed a rattling door on my FJ60. PITA to snake it in there, I had to make holes in it but it worked.
And +1 on checking the strikers.

 

[REDOVAL]

There should be two spring loaded guides on the top of the door frame that act to wedge the door when it is shut. Often times these break or wear and give the door more freedom. Check for excessive wear in the guides even if they are in place. I assume your rear hinge has not been modified to clear the tires correct?

Scott

 

[Jolly705]

Correct the door has not been modified for the tires, I just don't open it all the way. It is rather frustrating the Ford Dealer can't seem to solve the problem.

There should be two spring loaded guides on the top of the door frame that act to wedge the door when it is shut. Often times these break or wear and give the door more freedom. Check for excessive wear in the guides even if they are in place. I assume your rear hinge has not been modified to clear the tires correct?

Scott

 

[Johny5]

I would try loosening the two bolts and pull the door in 3/16 of an inch and see if that helps.

 

[Jolly705]

I would try loosening the two bolts and pull the door in 3/16 of an inch and see if that helps.

The two bolts on the top clamp of the slider?

 

[REDOVAL]

Adjusting the two bolts on top of the slider to account for this motion will not help as they aren't under load when the door is latched shut. In my previous post I mentioned the two spring loaded plastic clips that wedge the door when it is shut; I looked at mine the other day and where they meet the top of the slider door frame above the window there was a depression as if the metal had been dented. It could be possible the two slider wedges aren't working as intended if the door frame is dented or distorted enough. Mine is still quiet even with harsh offroading, but I imagine this will not take long to wear if the door can be dented and unloaded.

Scott

 

[Jolly705]

Scott
Thanks for the tip, I will take a look at these today and try to see exactly what you are talking about.

Adjusting the two bolts on top of the slider to account for this motion will not help as they aren't under load when the door is latched shut. In my previous post I mentioned the two spring loaded plastic clips that wedge the door when it is shut; I looked at mine the other day and where they meet the top of the slider door frame above the window there was a depression as if the metal had been dented. It could be possible the two slider wedges aren't working as intended if the door frame is dented or distorted enough. Mine is still quiet even with harsh offroading, but I imagine this will not take long to wear if the door can be dented and unloaded.

Scott

 

[bknudtsen]

From the limited view in your video clip, it appears that it's the arm vibrating up and down in its track. Have you checked for free play in the arm where the bearing sits in the track? The arm has tension on it while the door is open because the weight of the door is hanging down on the arm, but when it shuts the weight is being carried by the strikers. Try having someone pull down on the arm where the bearing sits in the track while you are driving, or use a ratchet strap to pull it down, and see if that stops the rattle.

 

[Jolly705]

I hope to take a look at everything this week. I need to find someone with a Sliding Door Van to compare notes with. I even went to two Ford Dealers and they did not have any

From the limited view in your video clip, it appears that it's the arm vibrating up and down in its track. Have you checked for free play in the arm where the bearing sits in the track? The arm has tension on it while the door is open because the weight of the door is hanging down on the arm, but when it shuts the weight is being carried by the strikers. Try having someone pull down on the arm where the bearing sits in the track while you are driving, or use a ratchet strap to pull it down, and see if that stops the rattle.

 

[Jolly705]

So I can't seem to find these two spring loaded guides. I do however have 2 sets of 2 holes on the lip above where my door slides into, could I be missing these guides? Please see photo for reference and can someone snap a pic of these guides?

There should be two spring loaded guides on the top of the door frame that act to wedge the door when it is shut. Often times these break or wear and give the door more freedom. Check for excessive wear in the guides even if they are in place. I assume your rear hinge has not been modified to clear the tires correct?

Scott

 

[mgmetalworks]

So I can't seem to find these two spring loaded guides. I do however have 2 sets of 2 holes on the lip above where my door slides into, could I be missing these guides? Please see photo for reference and can someone snap a pic of these guides?