Problem with door hinge - anyone else?

[skyzdlimit59]

So last night I went to open the door and there was a breaking sound and then the sound of something falling. I looked on the ground and didn't see anything. At first I thought something had gotten caught in the hinge but I couldn't find a thing. The probelm was the door made a horrible grinding noise when opening and closing after that.
Well, when I compared the hinges to the passenger door I noticed a white plastic piece covering a metal attachment on the bottom hinge. Not there anymore on the driver's side. Which explains hearing something falling when it broke (I assume it is inside the car).
So, has anyone experienced this? I checked in the search and couldn't find a thing. I'm hoping it isn't the first of some systemic problem. I'll be taking her in this weekend, I'll keep everyone posted on what the mechanic tells me.

[Padawan]

I'll take a look at mine tomorrow, but no problems with my doors so far.

*knocks on wood*

[sheureka]

My driver's side door has been "grinding" for about two weeks. I didn't notice a breaking or falling sound but I'm going to check to see if anything looks different from the passenger door. Please let us know what the mechanic says because I'm over 200 miles from the dealer and I may wait until something else goes wrong before taking it in. - sheureka

[jwight]

Take a look at photo #6 here: Evilution - Smart Car Encyclopaedia At the very bottom edge of the photo you'll see a white plastic piece on the hinge, which is there (I think) to smooth out the door operation.

[skyzdlimit59]

Originally Posted by jwight

Take a look at photo #6 here: Evilution - Smart Car Encyclopaedia At the very bottom edge of the photo you'll see a white plastic piece on the hinge, which is there (I think) to smooth out the door operation.

That is the piece that is missing now. I can't get in this week so I will post next week after I bring it in.

[ihawk2k]

Mine's been grinding for a few months, but it's in the shop today, so I'll see what they do to fix it.

[sheureka]

Yep - that piece is missing on mine. I'm going to call to see if there is any way they can just send me the part and I'll try to get it put on here. I really don't want to drive to Phoenix any time soon. - sheureka

[skyzdlimit59]

It took almost 3 months to get the part, but they replaced it and the door is good as new. Sorry it took so long to report out.

[jetfuel]

...thanks for the update..the white piece is the door opening detent/bearing..a little shot of WD40 or LPS lube will be in order here for a smooth operation...my 1c..

jetfuel

[skyzdlimit59]

Originally Posted by jetfuel

...thanks for the update..the white piece is the door opening detent/bearing..a little shot of WD40 or LPS lube will be in order here for a smooth operation...my 1c..

jetfuel

Thanks for the advice jet fuel, I'll do that.