targa owners....am I alone - chassis flex and door knocking

twobone · twobone's Garage

When I drive over a really rough bump, I can hear a crash as my door bangs against the door lock stop.

Is this a normal level of chassis flex?

I have had my chassis jacked up before and the door gaps don't go nuts.

So am I worrying about something that is just a normal experience?

I do need to replace my spring plate bushings....will this help reduce the crash/bang driving experience?

I just put in new Bilstiens and that did not make a huge difference.

Otherwise the car drives great.

jtfreels · 08-16-2007, 01:14 PM

Well mine makes a noise, sounds like the passenger door.
As you say door gaps seem fine, on jack stands they seem fine as well.
May just be a "feature" of the best model

Jay

kach22i · kach22i's Garage

When I first picked up my car it was missing several screws holding the door lock stop/catch.

Do a careful insppection, see if anything looks or feels wrong.

You can get the proper screws and hardware from Pelican parts if anything is missing.

jpnovak · 08-16-2007, 01:22 PM

Also check to make sure that your exterior door top trim is not loose.

There are stiffening panels available if you have a welder.

AFCuk · 08-16-2007, 02:36 PM

Hi
I had the same problem.
Check the door rubbers too,worn/old rubber can make a diffrence.
I put an extra bar low down in the door shut, no flex now on a jack.

LakeCleElum · 08-16-2007, 03:07 PM

No to minimize your possible problem, but I've seen some potholes in your part of the world that would swallow a motorcycle. My Targa does not exhibit any signs of flex nor make the noise your describe. Do you have rust issues?

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

No noise but if a finger is placed over the door quarter/ joint, flex can certainly be felt.

Bobboloo · Bobboloo's Garage

Check your door gaps. They should be 4mm. If less than that then you might consider taking the car to a body shop and have them move the doors forward to get a 4mm gap. A little flex is normal but door banging isn't.

Ditto the rust statement as well. If there is rust, which is not uncommon, at the end of the outer rocker where it meets the lock post then the chassis could be getting a little soft. Nothing to be alarmed about but it does happen and can be fixed.