97 850 Door Broken

cjah2oskier · Post by **cjah2oskier** » 12 Mar 2010, 09:52

My 97 850 Drivers door has something broken. Not sure which part. There is no tension on it when you open it.

C@lvin · Post by **C@lvin** » 12 Mar 2010, 11:22

Search the database for "door stop" or "door check" and you will find lots of information. It's a common problem. Frequently, the metal in the A Pillar or in the end of the door where the door check is bolted weakens and eventually breaks. Sometimes the door check itself will break. It's usually preceded by loud, metallic popping or clunking noises when the door is openned. The door check is what limits the movement of the door, it "checks" the movement or gives it a stopping place about halfway open and then also restrains the door from openning entirely at the outer range of the hinge movement. The ultimate (expensive) repair is to have the metal welded. Some folks have drilled holes and used large bolts/screws to reinforce the metal, while many others simply remove the door check (it eventually becomes second nature to hold the door and not let it open all the way when on a hill, in windy conditions, or when parked close to objects or other cars).

Post by **jblackburn** » 12 Mar 2010, 12:26

+1, great advice.

A few words of caution:
Do NOT buy the scan-tech door check part when you fix it. I replaced mine with one (before I knew any better) and the blasted thing broke again in 3 weeks. I have no idea what they make the things out of, but they have the strength of a beer can. I haven't got around to fixing it again since...nothing worse than having to do the same repair twice

Post by **jdw** » 13 Mar 2010, 00:28

Can anyone describe how to reinforce the bracket on the A-pillar? I thought I could simply tack the original spot welds but I'm wondering if I have to cut out some sheet metal out to get to heavier steel behind the torn spotwelds.

I just installed a new doorstop and tacked the spotwelds but the bracket on the A-pillar still seems to move quite a bit when opening/closing the door.

Thank you
JD

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 13 Mar 2010, 06:53

It is a known weak link. I can't find the threads but I have seen other postings where self tapping screws and large "fender washers" have been used to stiffen things up on the A pillar.

jablackburn is spot on about the part. I foolishly bought a Scan Tech replacement for my Platinum and it lasted all of three or four months before it broke again. I am just very gentle when I open the door until summer comes and I can work on cars in the driveway without fighting freezing temperatures and snow. It is not a difficult replacement but you need to be patient removing to door panel to get to it.

...Lee

C@lvin · Post by **C@lvin** » 13 Mar 2010, 09:00

Here's one thread with a couple of pictures where someone used the metal screws .....my driver's door stay was missing and the metal torn when I bought my S70 but now the passenger door is about to fail inthe A piller. I bought some #14 X 3/4 metal screws at home depot yesterday and will see if that works when I get a chance to take the door off.

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=16857

valvster · Post by **valvster** » 14 Mar 2010, 00:36

I used the Ozbrick repair back in August 08 and it has held just fine.
Only used 1 bolt as the bottom spotweld looked OK.

cheers....Valvster

valvster · Post by **valvster** » 15 Mar 2010, 05:12

Looks like the Ozbrick site is in limbo....try this
http://web.archive.org/web/200708220059 ... y_fix.html

Valvster