Door bracket needs repair
 

Guys, my Tribeca still has an issue with the reinforcement bracket that supports the outer door panel. This is not the heavy duty crash bar. This is a simple bracket that runs diagonally across the door, is welded to the door frame on both ends and has an RTV type substance between it and the metal door panel. The weld on one end broke so this thing is sitting in their vibrating. I tried to jam a rubber o-ring in there and it held for a couple of weeks but eventually worked its way out.

Any suggestions on how to get this repaired permanently? The dealer suggested a body shop can weld it but I am skeptical. The weld point is deep into the door near the door latch mechanism. I could barely get my hand in there. I was thinking of slipping another thicker piece of rubber in there with some rubber adhesive to hold it in place. However, if that doesn't hold, I will have probably made it impossible to weld after.

Re: Door bracket needs repair
 

http://www.repairproducts.co.uk/user...eel_carded.jpg

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Re: Door bracket needs repair
 

Is there a retail store that sells this?

Re: Door bracket needs repair
 

probably any auto parts store - i have a similar, but different brand of this stuff. hard to visualize if that's something that would work from your description of the trouble, but thought i'd throw that out there.

Re: Door bracket needs repair
 

J B WELD use both whole tube mix apply and leave it for 3 days.

Re: Door bracket needs repair
 

Take the door panel off and drive around to a few body shops. If they don't have to do the labor of removing the panel and vapor barrier, they should be able to tell you right there if they can weld it.

If they don't want to do it, or want to take the door skin off to do it, then find a way to clamp it in place and use one of the epoxy fixes that were mentioned.

Re: Door bracket needs repair
 

Speaking of the vapor barrier, what is the best way to remove that? The adhesive is very gooey.

Re: Door bracket needs repair
 

If you peel it off slowly, most of the "goo" stays attached to the barrier. Either just peel back the portion needed to give access. Or you may need to remove other rods clips or wires that pass through it to remove completely.

If you remove it, to keep it from turning into a wad of bubble gum, lightly stick it to a metal cabinet or door or something like that in your garage.

Re: Door bracket needs repair
 

Did you ever get this fixed? I'll be up in Elmira next Thursday if you want me to take a look at it.

Re: Door bracket needs repair
 

Not yet. I called one body shop and they assumed they would use an epoxy. There is no rush so I haven't been too active on this yet. If you are in the area, definitely we can meet up. I can come to Elmira or you can stop by the house. Let me know what works best.