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Black Plastic in OEM Hinge Liner

4K views 6 replies 5 participants last post by  Canadian GP 
#1 ·
The rear doors on my 2015 JKU Sport S were starting to get very stiff and difficult to swing open and closed.

So I decided to take the rear doors off to see what was going on and to try and remedy the issue. After a herculean effort, and a near hernia, I was able to get both doors off. Luckily no damage, though I almost dropped the first door when it finally let go.

After I removed the doors I could see that there was a thin black plastic liner coating the interior of the aluminum hinge liners. This plastic was starting to shred inside the hinge liner and was bunching up, folding over itself, causing added friction to the door hinge. It looks like the hinge pins are also coated with this black plastic. It almost looks sprayed on.

I was able to peal all of the plastic out of all the hinge liners, cleaned it up and lubricated with white lithium grease. The doors went back on easily and now the doors are as smooth as silk. I can close and latch the doors with two fingers. It's actually better than new now.

Questions:
Do all stock hinges have this plastic liner inside the aluminum liners?
I don't remember anyone mentioning this in other door removal and hinge liner threads.

Will I be OK leaving the hinges as as they are, with the plastic removed, and maybe just relube every year?
I know I could remove the stock aluminum liners and replace with delrin liners but I'd rather not at this time.

Thanks.
 

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#5 ·
Thanks for the responses.


Exactly, but AFAIK that involves removing the aluminum liners/bushings that are still left in my hinges.

I just 2 days ago noticed the same liner in my 15 2dr.i almost pulled them out cuz they were peeling. I figure they are for corrosion protection, not that they work. If anyone knows of something to replace them with I'd be grateful.
As mentioned above there are delrin hinge liners that replace what is left, the aluminum liners, in our hinges. I don't think they would replace what we pulled out.

I found that in the Body side hinges that i got when I found my half doors. I ended up pulling it all out for the same reason you did. My doors are black so I just attributed it to black peeling paint that was in the holes. Either way, I got it all out and was going to replace the liners but I could not get them to budge. I just lubed them up good and they are currently holding my full doors in the garage with no issue.
There is a tool, usually sold with the delrin replacement liners, that helps with removal of the aluminum liners that are likely corroded in place.
 
#4 ·
I found that in the Body side hinges that i got when I found my half doors. I ended up pulling it all out for the same reason you did. My doors are black so I just attributed it to black peeling paint that was in the holes. Either way, I got it all out and was going to replace the liners but I could not get them to budge. I just lubed them up good and they are currently holding my full doors in the garage with no issue.
 
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