Upper brace for entry door

[John Ziomek]

The upper arm brace (?) for our entry door has finally seen better days. Very floppy....pretty sure just wore out (2006 Monterey).

Thought I would start here looking for a solution......and or suggestions for repair or replacement ideas.

Thanks!!

[Bill Lampkin]

Do a search on this site for 'front door issue'. A fellow Monaco owner will rebuild your strut like new for around $50. Mine works like new after two years since I had it rebuilt.

[John Ziomek]

Thank for the great lead Bill..very helpful and informative.

Best to you!!!!

JZ

[Gene Obie]

I'm having the same problem with my front door swing arm. I've bent the little tab up so it at least stops, but the rivet is pretty loose and the assembly probably needs to come off to try tighten it up or replace.

Here's info I found on the gent who may be able to do a rebuild. 
   Randall Bergen, 249 Cherry Blossom Trail, Dandridge, TN. 37725
   rjb4jcpa@gmail.com


I've attached a doc I found describing how to do the gas strut refit some folks do. Sounds like mixed bag of results for folks. Some like it - some don't. I prefer to try to fix the factory version myself first.

[David T. Richelderfer]

Do a search using "scissor hinge" as the search argument.  There are several posts with lots of info on repairs and replacement.

Also,...  https://shop.findmyrvparts.com/swing-arm-assembly-08409451-entry-door-hinge-p/190098.htm
   but its cost is way too high!

[Richard Davis]

John
I also have a 2006 Monterey that had the same problem (worn out pivot rivet).  I was unwilling to pay the price for a new hinge ($130.00 at the time).  So, I set about to repair my old one.  The scissor hinge was screwed to the coach and pop-riveted to the door.  I had to drill out the pop-rivets on the top of the door to remove the mechanism.  I was unable to source a flat top countersunk rivet locally (ordering online required bulk orders), so I purchased a standard button top rivet in the correct diameter from my local Ace hardware.  A few minutes work on my bench grinder provided the correct countersunk configuration.  The rivet was much to long, so a hacksaw cut it down to size.  After installing the rivet into the hinge (beating it into submission) and pop-riveting the mechanism back to the top of the door, it has worked flawlessly for the last five years.  So, the bottom line is; you can either spend way to much for a new hinge, or with a little time and ingenuity you can have one that works as good as new.  Good luck with your repair.

Richard

[Bill Lampkin]

I have a box of the right size SS rivets for the door-if anyone needs a few, just let me know and I'll send you some.

[John Ziomek]

Many, many thanks to the suggestions and
Thank You all for responding.
I've decided to follow Richard's approach and try and remedy the problem myself. I do have the skills to try, sometimes just not the patience...lol....
With that thought in mind...Bill I might take you up on your generous offer or at the very least you could post the size of the rivets you used. Feel free to contact me, if you wish to, at my email address......jziomek50@gmail.com.

Again a heartfelt Thanks to all.....

JZ