This morning the driver's door would not open or close properly.

It appeared that the check strap was broken and the plate on which it is mounted inside the door, which is part of the lower hinge, has completely failed at both ends (cracked and torn apart at both ends) apparently due to fatigue.

Any clue how I can get this fixed? As far as I can see the hinge is welded to the door so a replacement won't be easy.

I've searched this forum already and couldn't find any topic related to this problem. Am I the first one to have got it so far??

The hinge was welded?? Certain theres no way to get it off, sounds like a new one would be best course imo unless your into makeshift things ?

Well, the question is whether it IS welded.

Any experience??

this is quite common- they've broke on a few of my mareas. front or back doors. Its usually been the small thin, and therefore weak securing pin on the door frame. you need to take the door cards off to get the mechanism out if the strap has actually broken. Its all fiddly and time consuming. Doubled nylon string is often just as good, and easy, to stop the door opening too much and creasing !

Hi John,

thansk for your response. The mecahnsim broke but on its way, it tore away the thin plate to which it is secured and which is part of the hinge arrangement inside the door!!