Hatch suddenly hard to shut

[black_falcon]

Suddenly the hatch on my 86 requires a firm slam, otherwise it won't latch. Is this a problem with the two latch pins or the mechanism?

[Gawernator]

Maybe the pins are out of adjustment or you could try getting new hatch seats from only944

[968 GUY]

Lube is good also. Cables and latches.

[mytrplseven]

Begin with cleaning and lubing the pins and extend their reach about 1/4". See if that changes it. Also, clean and lube the capture claws inside the receiver.

[monomoy4]

Originally Posted by mytrplseven

Begin with cleaning and lubing the pins and extend their reach about 1/4". See if that changes it. Also, clean and lube the capture claws inside the receiver.

What brand/type of lube do you recommend for these latches, etc. I'm having the same issue with the hatch lid.

[Rasta Monsta]

Hood struts are bending the glass hatch frame out of shape. Water leakage is next.

[968 GUY]

The cables get gummed up along with the catches. Since the releasing of the latches involves an actual mechanical pull on the cables, the release is less likely to show problems unless they are major.
I made sure my cables were lubed, used PB Blaster or something along that line of lube.
I cleaned the latches and pins and put a medium weight, light colored grease on them (dielectric, because thats what I had). I used light colored because of getting it on hands, clothes, etc.

In my opinion, adjusting should be after lubing did not do as well.
There are 2 adjustment that can be made.
1) adjust pins in or out. Normally as the seal gets older, you should have to adjust the pins in, or shorter. If replacing the seal, usually out, or longer.
2) i'm not sure if I loosened the top or bottom of the latching assy.,but I believe it was the lower part where the pins fit into...any way loosened the nuts slightly and closed the hatch, crawled into hatch area and tightened them.

Obviously easier with 2 people. You may need to do this a couple of times.

In my opinion, the hatch should close with a slight push with a hand on each side of the hatch.
I try to not slam the hatches because of the separation issue, already had to do a fix on the car the PO called a 9 out of 10 and have spent a lot fixing the "little things" he claimed to have paid so much attention to,

[968 GUY]

P.S. I have heard nothing but good things about the seats from only944. Plan to get some for the 951 as it squeaks and lube or adjustment does not help.