I need help removing the detent roller pin. I was trying to fix a sagging door so I was able to remove the lower door hinge and replace the bushings but when I got the roller pin it became difficult. I was able to remove the roller but the pin would not move. In the end I ended up braking the top part of the pin and remaining part is still in the slot. I tried drilling the piece but could not get it to cut. How do I salvage this part or do I need to find another hinge? Please help!!

 

It's not easy - After reading this, I'm going searching for new hinges somewhere!

Here's a email I got from Lon at www.top-downsolutions.com (a TGO sponsor that sells hinge parts) explaining the process:

Yes you can do it without taking the door off, but you must remove the a-pillar half of the lower hinge. First remove the door detent spring. Then you'll need to support the bottom of the door with a jack, then remove the lower door hinge pin. Then remove the kick panel inside the car to access two of the 3 bolts holding on that half of the hinge. The third hinge bolt is accessed from the open door with a wrench. Once you have the door hinge off, place it in a HUGE bench vise. Grind off the head of the pin above the detent roller. At this point remove the roller. Two methods to remove the detent pin from this point. If you have a welder, then you can make the job easier by grinding into the column that the pin is pressed into using a die grinder or dremel tool and a metal cutting fiber-reinforced metal cutting blade. Cut a groove down just to the detent pin. This relieves the pressure on the pin making it easier to remove it. Even if you can't grind the slot and weld it later, the next step is the same. Put the remains of the door detent pin in a bench vise leaving enough room to pry out the pin. You'll be prying between the shoulder of the larger column that the pin is pressed into and the bench vise. If you ground a slot you'll need to weld that slot back up at this point. Now put the roller on the column and the new pin. Make sure the roller is mounted right-side up (center sticks out of the roller). My bench vise is huge, so I can use it too press the detent roller pin into the column. Make sure you don't press it too far or the roller will be impinged. Caution, it your vise is too small you'll break it trying to use it to press in the pin. You should take it to a shop and have them press it in with a hydraulic press for a few bucks.

Lon

Top-Down Solutions
(626)369-0040

Please visit us on the web
www.Top-DownSolutions.com

 

Why were you removing the detent pin? Was the door sagging so badly that it got mangled? Mine was fine, and I had a pretty severe case of the sags. In most cases replacing just the lower hinge pin will fix all sagging issues (did mine!), although replacement of the bushings on the upper hinge may be necessary.

 

I had a replacement part for the detent pin and roller and figured that since I had the hinge off I might as well replace it. In hindsight I shouldn't have tried because the roller/pin piece were in good shape. Instead I just went to the junkyard this morning and found another hinge and the roller is in good shape. I'm not going to try to remove the detent pin and roller this time.

 

I'm actually looking at this same situation, and sadly, my rollers are mangled pretty badly from what I'm able to see.

I've got access to cutting wheels and a welder, so I don't mind cutting in to the pin to relieve the pressure as was mentioned earlier, but oddly enough, I don't have access to any vice at all, much less a huge one.

Are there any other options with this? Or is my best bet to just pick up a whole new lower hinge assembly? Any advice?

 

You could probably push the pin in by using a hammer, I've just never tried his method. You must be carefull not to press the pin in too far or it will impinge the detent roller preventing it from rolling freely. Second option is to ask if a neighbor has a bench vise. Or you can look at this as an excuse to finally buy a bench vise.

Lon

 

My roller pin is brocken. Can I get just the roller pin??

 

I don't understand how the pin could be broken, yet the roller is still in good shape. I don't list it separately, but Yes I can sell you just the pin. Either call me or go ahead and order the pin & roller and leave me instructions in the comments section of the order that you want me to delete the roller. I'll adjust the price when I process the order.

Lon

 

Mis read. I meant my roller. Didn't know if they could be seperated.

 

Ok, now I get it. You'll need the pin and roller because you must destroy the pin to replace the roller. Follow the instructions someone posted previously in this thread that I'd e-mailed to them.

Lon

 

wish I would have read this before trying to get that pin out....lol.....I had the door off though so it was a little easier to remove. After several unsuccessful attempts to blast the pin out with an air chisel, I finally gave in and cut the relief slot in the column (about 1/2" long) and it came right out with the air chisel. I'll press the new one in and weld up the slot. I dont think I'll be replacing the other side! lol

 

There is a much easier way to remove them as long as you have a welder...

 

Which way is that? I've been putting off this fix for ages, so if there's an easier way to go about it, i'm all for hearing it!

 

"...If you have a welder, then you can make the job easier by grinding into the column that the pin is pressed into using a die grinder or dremel tool and a metal cutting fiber-reinforced metal cutting blade. Cut a groove down just to the detent pin. This relieves the pressure on the pin making it easier to remove it. Even if you can't grind the slot and weld it later..."

The easier method if you have a die grinder or dremel tool and welder as I mentioned in post #2 above.

Lon