W124 Door Check Strap

[GP801]

Probably a very stupid question coming. The front passenger door check strap has given up on the 124. I know its not difficult to fix but I am not that handy. The part is cheap at £24. How urgent is this? The car will be due at Ollies for a service in 6 weeks or so. Can it wait until then? Can it cause other problems and therefore need doing sooner? Thanks

 

[carat 3.6]

It wont do any damage so long as the door cant go to far round. Wait till Ollie has it in.

 

[GP801]

Thats what I wanted to hear. Thank you.

 

[bolide]

So long as the check strap doesn't seize with the door closed you will be OK

If it seizes with the door open just unbolt it from the door but be careful - it may foul the window channel as you close the door

Nick Froome

 

[GP801]

So not quite so simple then?

 

[andy27168]

Hi,
As said these don,t normally cause problems but I have seen a broken check strap dent and puncture a door skin though it wasn,t a Mercedes, I personally would try to avoid using the door till you have addressed it.

 

[BillyW124]

Replaced mines a few months back. Its probably up there with the most satisfying jobs ive done on the 124.

Not because its a straight forward thing to replace, but the solid and very quiet nature of when the door opens and closes again.

My driverside went (both hinges were completely snapped off upon inspection)

I replaced in pairs passenger wasnt too healthy either. Mind you the coupe door is heavy copared to the saloon/estate doors.

Its held in by three bolts, two you can see and one which is behind the door card. Might be an idea to put some thread lock on the bolts when you replace as they tend to loosen over time.

While you are at it, i believe the saloon/estate 124's window regulators are held in via bolts too (as opposed to the coupe which is riveted) give these a tighten as well.

..Oh and dont forget to slap loads of grease in the check strap itself.

 

[GP801]

Thanks Billy. I think having looked at what is involved I will have a go myself. The drivers one has clearly been done at some point in the past.

 

[Dennis Kiernan]

many thanks guy's i'll give it a go,i'm also re-newing a speaker cover(same door drivers) will advise how it goes ???