Sticking door latch
 

What would cause the door latch to stick? My driver's door now requires a lot of force to open. The handle works fine and I can hear the mechanism moving as I pull the lever, but I really have to push/pull on it to get it open.
This is my daily driver and I don't want to have to crawl across the seat from the passenger side. HELP!

Re: Sticking door latch
 

moving parts like cleaning and lubrication every 40years or so

Re: Sticking door latch
 

You can adjust the striker on the door jamb in/out and up/down. Graphite spray helps too!

Re: Sticking door latch
 

If door hinge bushings/pins are worn, it will let door exert too much downward force on latch and require extra force to open--that is assuming door latch is adjusted to where the door fits correctly. If such wear is the culprit, temporarily adjusting the latch to where bushings/pins allow door to erroneously droop may make it easier to open, but is really a band-aid to the real problem.
HTH,
Sam

Re: Sticking door latch
 

I have lubricated the latch mechanism several times. The hinges/pins are tight. Everything appears to be free, the latch wheel turns like it should, the relay inside the door moves like it should. I am sure there is some wear on everythiing after 40 years, maybe it is time to make adjustment? Don't know what to adjust though.

Re: Sticking door latch
 

THe latch wheel centre shaft gets worn out even tho it all looks fine. Time to put in new latches.

Re: Sticking door latch
 

The wheel does not seem loose on the shaft.

Re: Sticking door latch
 

It's the shaft that gets worn. The end you can't see inside where it attaches to the latch body. The wheel only needs to deflect a little bit to cause a problem. My 67 was the same. Tried everything to tighten it up but ended up putting in new latches.

Re: Sticking door latch
 

Well I guess I will get new latches... Thanks for the info guys.