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Broken Cargo Door Latch Plunger

Yahoo Message Number: 74534
One of my plastic cargo bay door plungers just broke on my 2005 Allure.

Two Questions:
1)Where do I get replacements?

2) How do I remove it to fix it. I took the screws out of the plunger and latch but was unsure who to proceed. The long metal rod is attached to the plastic latch handle assembly and I didn't want to force it to remove it.

Any advice would help.

Thanks, John

2005 Allure #31242

Re: Broken Cargo Door Latch Plunger

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74535
Any Car stereo shop that installs car theft alarms will have the plungers.
TWI 2004 Intrigue 11731

Re: Broken Cargo Door Latch Plunger

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74540
John,

I have attached a web page for a replacement which are made of Aluminum. I just came across them and will only use them in the future. Not easy to change , doable. Just some patience. I am tired of changing them with the plactice plunger.
http://rbmachininginc.com/6301.html
Jock Vargo
2005 Inspire
51428

Re: Broken Cargo Door Latch Plunger

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74544
Hi Jock,

After I replaced 10 of them I will go with the new ones you recommend

Ilene 2004 Inpire 51071

Re: Broken Cargo Door Latch Plunger

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74545
John,

I've done about 8 of these as ours have broken too. Some reference information is on my blog
here:

http://www.muniac.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=52#Post52
As for the repair, you'll need to remove the 4 screws that back-up the paddle latch. On our bus these are square drive screw heads. Most likely one or more will be seized meaning the head will break off before the screw comes out. It's a good idea to apply WD40 to the screws. See if you can get behind the backing plate and get the spray on the threads. Let it soak in. For the screws that break off they will need to be drilled out and re-tapped. I think it's an 8-32 thread. As for the rods, there are Jesus clips that hold the rods in place to the paddle latch. You can remove them by prying off with a small screw driver. Getting them back on isn't as easy. Once the rod(s) is loose, remove the two screws from the door latch and pry it and rod out. Two versions of the latch exist. One has two holes for the rod and the other has only one. Make sure you get the correct one. Replace broken latch with a new one and reassemble. A good pair of right angle needle nosed pliers may help with the Jesus clips.

I apply some silicon grease to the latch. These are made in Chine and the plastic used isn't high impact and the mold profile has stress raisers in it. Thus it fails way too soon owing to poor design. Nothing can be done but keep on replacing them. Order 8 when you decide because you'll need to keep some in stock. Sooner or later they all wind up breaking. Hope this helps and good luck with the repair.

As for closing the doors I see way to many people just slam them shut. I would suggestion closing the door all the way by hand making sure it doesn't slam. Put your knee against the latch (two per door) and snap it shut. This might help reduce the repair interval.

At 02:27 PM 9/17/2011, you wrote:

Quote
>One of my plastic cargo bay door plungers just broke on my 2005 Allure.

Two Questions:

1)Where do I get replacements?

2) How do I remove it to fix it. I took the >screws out of the plunger and latch but was >unsure who to proceed. The long metal rod is >attached to the plastic latch handle assembly >and I didn't want to force it to remove it.

Any advice would help.

Thanks, John

2005 Allure #31242

Best - Scott

2006 Allure 430 #31349
(Bus-Stead Lemon)

Re: Broken Cargo Door Latch Plunger

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74548
There is also a source that advertizes in FMCA magazine.

Jim Hughes

2000 Allure #30511