How to Replace the Bottom Hinge of a Car Door

The bottom hinge of a car door contributes to door sag because the door tilts downward when this hinge degrades. Luckily for car owners, hinges can be replaced with only only moderate effort. A helper makes the task easier. Plan on an afternoon of work to complete the job.

Instructions

1

Open door and rest the bottom edge on a small stepladder, milk crate or several blocks of wood.

2

Locate the bottom door hinge on the door frame. Insert a nail punch into the bottom of the hinge under the bolt that secures the two sides of the hinge together.

3

Tap the nail punch, pushing the hinge pin up and through the hinge.

4

Remove the hinge pin by pulling it out of the hinge with a pair of pliers. Continue to support the door so it does not bend down and scratch the side of the car.

5

Remove bottom hinge with a hexagonal wrench. Loosen all four hinge screws. Set a new hinge in place, set new bolts into the mounting holes and tighten the bolts with the hexagonal wrench. Replace bushings if necessary by placing new bushings into the top hinge pin hole and squeezing them in place with pliers.

6

Line up both hinges. Slide new hinge pin into the bottom of the hinge. Tap the hinge pin with a hammer until it slides through the hinge pin hole and into position.