Door Hinge - Pin Works Its Way Out

[Frank&Mike]

Does anyone else have a problem with the door hinge pin working its way out on a frequent basis? It was originally only the bottom hinge that was doing this. About every other trip I have to tap in the pin with a hammer. Now the upper hinge is doing it.

Any ideas of the cause or ideas on the fix?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Frank&Mike

Does anyone else have a problem with the door hinge pin working its way out on a frequent basis? It was originally only the bottom hinge that was doing this. About every other trip I have to tap in the pin with a hammer. Now the upper hinge is doing it.

Any ideas of the cause or ideas on the fix?

The hinge needs to be "lubed".

Then to stop the issue, center punch the edge of the pin so that it fits tighter in the hinge.

But, make sure the hinge pins are not binding, before you do the center punching.

Andy

[Frank&Mike]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

The hinge needs to be "lubed".

Then to stop the issue, center punch the edge of the pin so that it fits tighter in the hinge.

But, make sure the hinge pins are not binding, before you do the center punching.

Andy

Thanks for the information Andy. Is silicone lubricant the proper lube for Airstream hinges or is there another product I need to purchase?

[dkottum]

The last couple of years or so Airstream has fitted these hinges with a slotted pin and keeper ring so they cannot slip out. I believe they will fit your trailer.

doug k

[sandlapper]

Looking at the picture, it looks as though 5 or so years of wear on the hinges may have allowed the door to drop down a bit. If so, and it has affected the closing/locks, it can be corrected some what by wiggling it back up, then inserting some nylon washers under the hinge to keep it up. Cut a small "v" in the washer, push it in place. Made a big difference on my sons '90. Course it had 22 years of wear on it.

Disclaimer: If it ain't broke, don't fix it!!!

John

[Denis4x4]

I drilled an 1/8" hole in the top portion of the hinge and installed a roll pin.

[Frank&Mike]

Originally Posted by sandlapper

Looking at the picture, it looks as though 5 or so years of wear on the hinges may have allowed the door to drop down a bit. If so, and it has affected the closing/locks, it can be corrected some what by wiggling it back up, then inserting some nylon washers under the hinge to keep it up. Cut a small "v" in the washer, push it in place. Made a big difference on my sons '90. Course it had 22 years of wear on it.

Disclaimer: If it ain't broke, don't fix it!!!

John

Thanks for that suggestion ... because you are correct, and I had never noticed it. I think the door has dropped down a little. And it seems like our door is hard to latch shut. We have to slam the door to get it shut so I'm going to make an attempt at inserting a nylon washer. Thanks again.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Frank&Mike

Thanks for that suggestion ... because you are correct, and I had never noticed it. I think the door has dropped down a little. And it seems like our door is hard to latch shut. We have to slam the door to get it shut so I'm going to make an attempt at inserting a nylon washer. Thanks again.

Yes, you can lube the pins with silicone.

And while your at it, lube the door lock striker bolt and the striker pocket.

That takes care of slamming the door, as long as the door has not dropped very much.

Andy

[dkottum]

Here's the late model Airstream hinge with slotted pin and keeper ring.

doug k

[SteveH]

A friend of mine had that problem, and a really bad case of it on an '07 25'. It had been center punched too many times already, and that did not work.

I recommended he clean the area at the top of oil with a solvent, then put several drops of red Locktite on. It solved the problem. Never moved again.

[Jim Foster]

One of the hinges on our '83 Excella had the same problem. When I would tap the pin back into place, it wouldn't go all the way down into the hinge. I removed it and measured the depth of the hole with a long drill bit, and found that the bottom of the hole had about a 1/16 or more of sediment from the wear and dirt trapped at the bottom of the hole on the hinge. I sprayed some WD40 down into the hole to loosen the sediment, then blew it all out with compressed air. When I replaced the pin it went all the way "home". I center punched the top of the pin as they had done at the factory, then silicone lubed both hinges.

That was three years ago. I give the hinges a little silicone lube several times a year.

[Scott J-24]

Originally Posted by dkottum

Here's the late model Airstream hinge with slotted pin and keeper ring.

doug k

This is the fix that our AS dealer, Southwest Coaches, recommends. I was told there is a service bulletin out on this and they would install it for free the next time we were out there way. Until then, I will just tap it back into place when necessary.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by dkottum

Here's the late model Airstream hinge with slotted pin and keeper ring.

doug k

I wish I had known about this before re-punching mine. Re-punching worked, but it is ugly IMO. This is the ultimate fix for me, if they ever start wiggling out again.

[Wayne&Sam]

I had that problem on my '07. Center punching didn't work. Jackson Center driller the hinge and put a pin in.

[SteveH]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

I wish I had known about this before re-punching mine. Re-punching worked, but it is ugly IMO. This is the ultimate fix for me, if they ever start wiggling out again.

Seriously, put some red Locktite on the top of it and let it dry over night....problem solved.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by SteveH

Seriously, put some red Locktite on the top of it and let it dry over night....problem solved.

I did that as well as punch it. Hasn't moved again, but it has noly been about 5 months.

[cwf]

Wow.. Just started seeing the "creeping hinge pin" on last trip.. So I will clean then Blue Loctite.. Hope that works... Red has always been a lot harder on the attaching parts IMHO.

Peace
Channing

[dkottum]

Originally Posted by cwf

Wow.. Just started seeing the "creeping hinge pin" on last trip.. So I will clean then Blue Loctite.. Hope that works... Red has always been a lot harder on the attaching parts IMHO.

Peace
Channing

Channing, refer to post 4 and 9 of this thread for an easy and permanent fix from Airstream company.

doug k

[dznf0g]

Just returned from a 5000 mile trip. Loctite didn't work on the bottom pin. Re-punching didn't work either. I ordered my slotted pins today.

For those with dropped doors, get several 1/4" "e-clips" and insert on the load bearing surface sides of the hinge halves until the door height is restored. Works very well.

[Wingeezer]

Looks like our 2005 Classic 30 must have had this problem.

There is clear evidence that the previous owner - or his/her dealer - gave it the old centre punch treatment, and it has been fine during the last four years that we have owned it !

Brian.