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Topic: Door Hinge Spacers (Read 1137 times) previous topic - next topic

Door Hinge Spacers

Our front door which does not have a screen door, was used by Foretravel over several model years.  Our continuous aluminum hinge has always had two gaps that we learned originally had plastic 'bearings'.  The bearings carried the weight of door to keep the aluminum hinges from rubbing and wearing.  Member Thisldu, last November told the forum about the plastic inserts. Loose entry door hinge pin

Our plastic bearings have been missing for many years and our aluminum hinges have worn edges.  We used to insert E-clips between a few hinges to raise door and reduce the number of wear points.

Inner hinge pin is 3/8" in diameter and outer aluminum hinge is 5/8", so the perfect plastic bearing spacer would have ID 3/8", OD 5/8", .13" wall thickness, 1.05" tall. 

I did not find the perfect size material and did not want to pull the center hinge pin to insert new plastic round parts.  So I used a ½" CPVC piece, cut with a PVC cutter scissor tool to about 1.1".  Then cut a narrow vertical piece out with a Dremel plastic disk, to allow the piece to be pushed over the hinge pin so it would stay in place.  CPVC is only .07" wall thickness, so the insert does not hug the hinge pin, allowing some sideways movement.  I found ½" PEX also could work, but felt CPVC stiffness may hold up longer.

We raised the door up as far as we could and pushed the CPVC in place so it could keep the door up.  Door rotates easier, but the higher position is putting more pressure on the top rubber door seal, making the door slightly harder to close.  I searched on the Internet for rubber door seal lubrication or rejuvenation and found several recommendations for Zymol Seal Conditioner, which we purchased from Amazon but we have not tried to use Zymol yet.

Re: Door Hinge Spacers

Reply #1 –
Barry, I used a piece of what I believe was 3/6 PEX, split it lengthwise and forced it on to the pin.  I have had to replace them once but they did last well over a year.
When I called ASI the door mfgr a few years ago they sent me two spacers but removing the door was beyond my abilities so I have opted for this fix.
Gary B

Re: Door Hinge Spacers

Reply #2 –
Gary,

Can you post ASI contact info and how they identify our door? I did not realize any door parts are available.

I would also like to contact them.

Barry
 

Re: Door Hinge Spacers

Reply #3 –
Barry, Mine is a GV so maybe your door differs. BUT
Pull off the interior panel and you will find a serial number near the lock.  In addition on the striker you will find a number beginning in " ASI".  I can't find the phone number right now but the company is " Aircraft Structures Inc " They were located in California and they are or were a major maker of doors for aircraft.  I'll do some research as soon as I can to see if I can locate the phone number.
Gary B