What Causes the Squeaking Noise When Opening and Closing Car Doors?
3 Answers
Door opening and closing noises mainly originate from wear and tear on the door hinges and limiters. Due to years of use, door hinges and limiters may experience wear or accumulate dust in the gaps, causing vibrations and resulting in noise during operation. Below are some details about car doors: 1. Car doors are connected to the body via hinges, and it's normal for hinges to make noise after prolonged use. To ensure smooth and silent operation of the hinges, it's recommended to apply lubricating oil every 2-3 months for maintenance. 2. Additionally, doors and the body are connected by another component called the door limiter. You can open the door to its maximum angle, clean the grease and dirt from the limiter arm, pivot pin, and connecting bracket surfaces, and then apply an appropriate amount of grease to the upper and lower surfaces of the arm. 3. If the car has been in use for some time, it's advisable to check whether the door seals have aged. Since seals are made of rubber, they can gradually deteriorate and crack over time, leading to noticeable wind noise and friction sounds for passengers. If the seals are aged or damaged, it's recommended to replace them directly. Also, regularly clean the dust and rainwater from the gaps between the seals during daily use to prevent aging.
I've been driving for many years, and the most common cause of a squeaky car door is lack of lubrication or rust in the door hinges. Frequent opening and closing of the door allows dust and rainwater to accumulate in the hinge gaps, causing metal parts to rub and produce noise. If left untreated, it can lead to the door sticking or even deforming. Another possible cause is a stuck door lock mechanism, where debris is blocking it or parts are worn out. Whenever I hear the noise, I buy a bottle of automotive-specific lubricant and spray it on the hinges and lock area, which usually solves the problem immediately. This issue is more common in humid weather and is especially noticeable after rain. Regular maintenance can prevent major problems, but if the issue persists, it's best to visit a repair shop.
I often fix my car myself, and door squeaking is quite easy to handle. The main causes are insufficient lubrication of the door hinges or aging seals. First, use a cleaning cloth to wipe off dust and dirt, then spray some WD-40 on the hinges. If the noise persists, it might be due to door frame deformation or loose mounting screws—just tighten them. Additionally, rusted springs inside the door lock can also cause noise, requiring disassembly for dust removal and lubrication. The process is simple and doesn’t require professional tools, but be careful not to spray too much oil and dirty the interior. Regularly checking during maintenance can save a lot of trouble.
