[Lilfoo]

Hello,
My sliding door wouldn’t latch/close smooth. I have to shut it with force for it to catch and stay closed. Guys at the body shop suggested replacing the center roller bracket (see picture attached), thinking that perhaps worn out rollers make the door sag. Indeed, I see the bracket hitting the body. My question is how do I do that, how do I get the old bracket out of the track and put the new one in? Do I need to take off the cover? I looked through the forum and see that I probably need to remove the interior panel to get to one bolt. But if anyone has a more detailed description than that, I would appreciate it! Hopefully I can do it without removing the interior panel because all our electrical system is on that panel and it would be a big hassle.

thanks!

 

[jspence27]

You don't need to remove the inner panel. Open the sliding door almost all the way. While holding the door from the bottom, remove the 3 bolts holding the rear bracket to the door. Once unbolted, gently lower the door, it should be able to hang by the top and bottom roller brackets. Slide the rear bracket behind the sliding door toward the front of the van. When you get to the end of the channel, twist the bracket a little bit and it will come out. You can then remove the pin in the bracket to separate the two pieces and replace the piece with the rollers.I've gotten a few of these from junkyards and this is how I've done it every time.

 

[sixsix]

Hopefully I can do it without removing the interior panel...

What year is your Van?

...I've gotten a few of these from junkyards and this is how I've done it every time.

I do not think this will work with both Gens.

 

[pamfox43]

GREAT DESCRIPTION jspence27 😁 Regarding your particular experience in this area, my vans sliding door does NOT open & slide UNLESS I reach around from inside passenger door to lift up my lock & pop the rest of the door out from the outside to enable it 2 slide back PLUS anyone sitting inside is STUCK or TRAPPED " unless" the " only driver " ME 😂 lets them out by opening from outside as they can't using handle from inside to OPEN & slide the door.
Is THIS a problem related to this mechanism U have so nicely shared how to FIX .....or a DOOR LOCKING issue ....or CRAPPY 💩 maybe BOTH 😲?
IF I should B opening up a new conversation ....PLEASE inform? THANKS 😉

 

[ehbrown1]

Yes, these are not tough to do. Just open the door halfway, pry open the lower corner of the inside panel and there are 3 13mm bolts holding the bracket in place. You just remove the 3 bolts, slide the bracket to the front of the track, slightly rotate and out it pops right out. The roller is nylon and what happens is that the bearing rusts and won't rotate any longer and the nylon part actually wears down.

If you can catch it early, before it wears down, all you need to do is free up the bearing with some WD40 and then some grease, reinstall and you are good to go. Just make sure you clean out the track where that bearing rides and the rear bearing track as well, the one underneath the back window. Spray that bearing too and it should stay trouble free.

 

[pamfox43]

AWESOMENESS 😃 ehbrown1

I have WD but is it a particular type of packing grease like for packing wheel barrings I used a million years ago packing mine on my 64 Dodge Dart GT with?
I know this is gonna sound " dumb" but can a lady type person do this or am I better asking 4 some help ? I realize the majority of U talented & able bodied fellas do most of your own work 💪👏 however the wealth of knowledge I have gained from many of U is HIGHLY APPRECIATED & BENEFICIAL 😁
THANKS 😊

 

[pamfox43]

AWESOMENESS 😃 ehbrown1

I have WD but is it a particular type of packing grease like for packing wheel barrings I used a million years ago packing mine on my 64 Dodge Dart GT with?
I know this is gonna sound " dumb" but can a lady type person do this or am I better asking 4 some help ? I realize the majority of U talented & able bodied fellas do most of your own work 💪👏 however the wealth of knowledge I have gained from many of U is HIGHLY APPRECIATED & BENEFICIAL 😁
THANKS 😊

 

[pamfox43]

SORRY 😞 It said it didn't send the first time

 

[ehbrown1]

You can use any type of grease actually. If you have spray lithium, that works best as it's easier to get it into the bearing that way. We have also used wheel bearing grease, anti-seize compound, doesn't matter - you can even use vaseline if you choose. Not as durable as lithium, but whatever you have that's waterproof is better then nothing.

That being said, if you already take the time to remove and clean it, you might as well lube it right!

 

[pamfox43]

Sounds like an EXCELLENT plan "ehbrown1!" 😉 That " lithium spray " sounds PERFECT 👌 so I shall locate a can of the " GOOD STUFF " considering my ole gals mileage she undoubtedly could use lots more places 2 B lubed, RIGHT ✅
Now how come we couldn't just get a can of that stuff 2 help 🙄 our own moving parts 🤣
THANKS again!

😊
This WD-40 " reads" the BEST 👍

 

[sixsix]

Lilfoo said:
Hopefully I can do it without removing the interior panel...

What year is your Van?

jspence27 said:
...I've gotten a few of these from junkyards and this is how I've done it every time.

I do not think this will work with both Gens.

Again, if this is referring to the center / middle roller set, the 2 Gens ( 85-95 & 95-05 ) are different.
Welded to door instead of bolted. May HAVE to remove int. trim, etc, etc on older Vans.


Pam, I use the WD40 Lithium, it being on sale about 3 years ago. YMMV.
A good spray can of Silicon Grease for your rubber stuff & door seals, etc. is "Bucks well spent, even if too Late".

 

[pamfox43]

GOT IT 6/6 😃 It IS on sale as a matter of fact 👌
THANKS 4 the " tip" about spraying all the rubber 2 ! GOSH!! WHERE were all U AWESOME FELLAS 🤩😎 when I first got my girl all those years ago ...almost 25 now ❤
I APPRECIATE your unique cander & input 🤣
Must B a " mechanic " character quality, eh?! 😃