window clunk parts pictures and how it was fixed

[yyamad1]

So I did search and read up on all the old posts... the clunk of the window was said to be the door strap, a piece that prevents the door from opening too much.I read what people have done, which is to grind off the T end inside the door. Well, I tried this and while inspecting, I was still unhappy with the result. The T end was awfully close to the window when I opened and closed the door. After looking at the door when u open it, I really think our door is just so weak that after time, the door itself is bending and NOT the door strap. So I bent the door sheet metal where the strap attaches and now when I open and close I have much more clearance from the glass itself. So I think grinding it will work. but if you want even more clearance, you can just bend the mounting sheet metal back to original position. Anyways, here are some pics.

Attached files

[yyamad1]

after a little grinding, but like i said this wasnt really necessary, because it didnt look deformed and i dont think it was stretching or anything like that.. what tweaked in my vibe is the actual sheet metal on the door side where the T strap mounts.

Attached files

[yyamad1]

oh that last picture wasnt ground yet.. this one is. the other pic is just a close up to show no damage on the T side.. The very tip closer to the window was shiny, suggesting my window was hitting it occasionally. Not sure if you see it but my tint was damaged right where the T hits...

Attached files

[epcIII]

What year is your car? I thought the window problems were from the windows hitting a too long bolt.

[yyamad1]

I have a 04 vibe, there are 2 problems in our cars... i think this door strap is not so widely known nor fixed. Yes my bolts were loose and ive taken care of them before, the clunk was scary, sounded like the window going down was getting caught on something.. on the way up sometimes it hit it too.. if u see the pics, u can see how close that T comes to the window.. only when your door is closed. when open the T gets pulled out away from the window..

[yyamad1]

I meant to say 2 problems in the window area... LOTS OF PROBLEMS.. but all easy fixes..

[epcIII]

Yeah, you're right--that is pretty close. I guess I never noticed 'cause I hardly have the windows down when I shut the door.

[yyamad1]

ive taken that skin off so many times but never closed the door with the window down before.. mine, the T would actually touch the window, when the door closed completely it came off few mm. still way too close. once i bent back the strap mount, it never comes close. I think I will keep an eye on it tho, because with one strong wind and the door slamming open once, it can bend that mount sheet metal.