Fixing Door Hinge Pins On A '93 Jimmy

If you're having trouble with the door hinges on your 1993 Jimmy, you're not alone. The large doors on GM full-size trucks and SUVs are heavy, and the hinges can wear out over time. You'll know it's time to replace your door hinge pins and bushings if you're unable to close your door without slamming it shut, or if you notice that it hangs low when open. Fortunately, replacing your door hinges is a fairly straightforward process that you can do at home with the right tools and a little elbow grease.

Removing the door spring, old hinge pins and bushings

To remove the door spring, old hinge pins, and bushings, first ensure you have enough room to fully open your truck doors for easier access to the hinges.

Then, remove the retainer clip on the top of the top hinge pin with a screwdriver and pliers. Start by wiggling it loose with the tip of the screwdriver, then grab and work it loose with the pliers. Next, remove the door spring behind the hinge by locating the end of the spring and inserting the screwdriver between it and the hinge. Pry the spring out using the door as leverage.

Spray penetrating oil on the top and bottom of the pins, at the bushings, to make it easier to hammer the pin out. Place a long extension or metal rod on the top of the pin and carefully hammer down to dislodge the pin, being careful not to hit your windshield or another part of your vehicle.

Now, grab an assistant to help you with the next steps. Remove the retainer clip on the bottom of the bottom hinge pin with a screwdriver and pliers, working it loose as before. Place a jack to hold up the end of the door to support the weight when the bottom pin comes out. Have your assistant hold the door firmly so that it stays on the jack and doesn't fall. You can use a 2 x 4 piece of wood to better distribute the door's weight.

Spray penetrating oil on the top and bottom of the pin, at the bushings, to make it easier to hammer the pin out. Carefully hammer up from the bottom to dislodge the pin, ensuring your helper is supporting the door. You may need to gently wiggle the door if the pin is binding on the hinge. You can also grip the top of the pin with pliers and tap on the pliers with a hammer to fully dislodge and remove the pin. Use a rag to protect the paint on your door by covering the area before hammering.

Finally, use a flathead screwdriver to pry out the old bushings.

Using penetrating oil to dislodge the pins

To repair the door hinge pins of your 1993 Jimmy, you'll need to dislodge the pins using penetrating oil. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare the Necessary Tools and Materials: Before you begin, ensure you have the required tools and materials. You'll need a can of penetrating oil with a thin nozzle, a small screwdriver, a hammer, and some rags or paper towels for cleanup.
• Open the Door: Start by opening the door to access the hinge pins.
• Locate the Hinge Pins: Each door hinge consists of the hinge itself and the pin that holds the two components together. Look for the round hinge pin between the flat plates of the hinge.
• Remove the Hinge Pin: Use a small screwdriver and a hammer to gently tap the pin out from the bottom of the hinge. Be cautious not to damage the pin or the surrounding components. Place a rag beneath the hinge to catch any falling debris.
• Apply Penetrating Oil: Once the pin is removed, spray a liberal amount of penetrating oil onto both the hinge pin and the hinge itself. Ensure that you coat all critical areas, including the joints where the hinge leaves meet.
• Let the Oil Soak: Allow the penetrating oil to soak for a few minutes. This will help loosen any rust or grime buildup, making it easier to dislodge the pin.
• Wipe Away Excess Oil: Use a rag or paper towel to wipe away any excess oil from the hinge and pin. This step is important to prevent attracting dirt and dust, which can hinder the smooth functioning of the hinge.
• Reinsert the Hinge Pin: After the oil has soaked in, carefully tap the hinge pin back into place using the screwdriver and hammer. Ensure it is securely seated before moving on to the next hinge.
• Repeat the Process: If your Jimmy has multiple doors or hinges that require repair, repeat the above steps for each hinge.
• Test the Door: Once you've replaced all the hinge pins, test the door by opening and closing it several times. This will help work the penetrating oil into the hinges, ensuring smooth operation and reduced friction.

By following these steps and using penetrating oil to dislodge the hinge pins, you can effectively repair and maintain the door hinges of your 1993 Jimmy.

Removing the retainer clips

To remove the retainer clips from your 1993 Jimmy, you will need a screwdriver and pliers. It is important to use the right tools to avoid damaging the retainer clips and the door panel.

First, use a flathead screwdriver to start wiggling the retainer clip loose. Once you have wiggled it free, grab the retainer clip with the pliers and work it loose. You may need to gently tap the screwdriver with a hammer to help work the retainer clip loose. Be sure to wear safety glasses, as the retainer clips can shoot up when they come loose.

Repeat this process for the retainer clip on the bottom of the hinge pin. Once both retainer clips have been removed, you can move on to the next step of the door hinge repair process.

It is important to note that repairing door hinges is not an easy job, and it may be helpful to have an assistant to help support the weight of the door during the process.

Inserting new bushings

First, ensure you have the correct bushings for your specific vehicle make, model, and year. In this case, you are working on a 1993 Jimmy, so confirm that the bushings match those specifications. It is important to note that the bushings come in different sizes and need to be installed in the correct locations on each hinge. For the top hinge, the larger bushing goes in the bottom part, while the smaller bushing goes in the top. As for the bottom hinge, the larger bushing goes in the top part, and the smaller bushing goes in the bottom. The head of the hinge bolt should always be positioned at the larger of the two bushings.

Now, let's get into the step-by-step process of inserting the new bushings:

• Prepare the necessary tools and materials: In addition to the new bushings, you will need a flathead screwdriver, a hammer, a jack to support the door, a 2 x 4 scrap piece of wood (optional but recommended for weight distribution), and a small socket or a small hollow tube.
• Protect your vehicle: It is important to protect your windshield and door paint during this process. Use cardboard, carpet, or plywood to cover your windshield. Additionally, cover the door paint with a rag before hammering to avoid damage.
• Remove the old bushings: Use the flathead screwdriver to pry out the old bushings from the hinges. Make sure to remove any debris or residue left behind.
• Insert the new bushings: Pay attention to the different sizes and their correct locations on each hinge as mentioned earlier. Gently hammer the new bushings into place, ensuring they are securely seated. Remember, the bushings go into the vehicle part of the hinge, not the door part.
• Align the hinges and insert the pins: With the door still supported by the jack, work with your assistant to align the hinges. Start sliding the hinge pins through the bushings, starting with the bottom hinge first, followed by the top. Use your hammer to gently tap the pins into place, gradually increasing the force to fully engage them into the new bushings.
• Secure the pins with retainer clips: Place the new retainer clips over the bushings, and use your small socket or hollow tube to hammer them into place. Ensure they are fully seated to prevent the pins from coming out.

By following these steps and paying attention to the specific locations and sizes of the bushings, you will successfully insert the new bushings and be well on your way to repairing the door hinge pins on your 1993 Jimmy.

Reinstalling the door spring

To reinstall the door spring with a GM door spring tool, follow the instructions included with the tool.

If you don't have the GM spring tool, you can compress the spring in a vice and use plastic zip ties to keep it compressed while you install it. Here are the steps:

• Install your three zip ties loosely before you compress the spring and tighten them once you have the spring in the vice.
• Carefully hold the spring by the side, not the ends, in case the zip ties break. Make sure you wear eye protection as you push the compressed spring into place.
• Carefully cut two of the zip ties. It can help to close the door slightly as you do this and also rotate the compressed spring to access the second zip tie.
• The third zip tie is difficult to cut but it will quickly break on its own as you open and close the door, popping the spring into place.

Frequently asked questions