When I close my 04 Cooper driver door it sounds like a 72 Pinto, while my passenger side sound like a BMW built product. Door hangs straight, no sag, no accidents, nothing loose in the door cavity or storage bin.

Just curious what wear items are there that might contribute to this?
Thanks.

 

Does your door strap work? In other words, when you open the door do the detents hold it in position?

 

Yea, both our Minis (R50 and R53) have this issue.. the R53 worse. Passenger doors are as smooth as butter. I don't know if it's just cause those doors are used more.. maybe it needs oil or something? I have no clue. I'm interested in a fix for this. Sometimes when it's really cold or really hot, it's so loud I have people look at me in parking lots from 30 feet away when I close my door.

 

Yes, door stays open.

 

I know it's embarrasing.

 

it could simply be the hinge

put a couple of drops of 3 in 1 oil, or even motor oil on the hinge....a little will go a long way.

There should be a retaining bolt on the bottom of both hinges - you might even loosen that to ensure you get some lubricant into the hinge pin ... but be sure to retighten.

If not the hinges then it is possibly the 'check strap' which is the part that stops the door from swinging too wide and provides the check-stops which hold the door open. Try applying a little bit of grease .. you can probably look at it and tell what side is getting worn/rubbed.

 

White lithium grease spray is the answer to this problem...other members here have used it to solve the "squeaky door" problem

 

or spray the entire hinge area with PAM

same outcome