Dreaded door hinge rust issue

[Black Betty]

Did FCA introduce a gasket between the hinges and the doors in 2023? I have a 2023 JLUW and tried to see with a flashlight and don't really see it but I can see a small gap so maybe it's in there? I'm thinking of having the hinges taken off and finishing the unpainted area. Tons of salt here in Montreal during the winter would like to keep it rust-free for at least 5 years. Anyone else had that done as a preventative measure?

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[Deleted member 59498]

Did FCA introduce a gasket between the hinges and the doors in 2023? I have a 2023 JLUW and tried to see with a flashlight and don't really see it but I can see a small gap so maybe it's in there? I'm thinking of having the hinges taken off and finishing the unpainted area. Tons of salt here in Montreal during the winter would like to keep it rust-free for at least 5 years. Anyone else had that done as a preventative measure?

I have not heard of 2023 bubbling. Seems a bit paranoid!

The doors are aluminum so not prone to rust.

But maybe I am wrong and they are as bad as 2018-2019

 

[TheNewGuy]

I have not heard of 2023 bubbling. Seems a bit paranoid!

The doors are aluminum so not prone to rust.

But maybe I am wrong and they are as bad as 2018-2019

All JLs have aluminum doors. It's not rust it's galvanic corrosion. The 23s haven't been out long enough for the corrosion/bubbling to become evident

 

[Deleted member 59498]

All JLs have aluminum doors. It's not rust it's galvanic corrosion.

Yeah I am aware of that but....

"Tons of salt here in Montreal during the winter would like to keep it rust-free"

Maybe quoting the wrong person.

 

[TheNewGuy]

Yeah I am aware of that but....

"Tons of salt here in Montreal during the winter would like to keep it rust-free"

I was referring to this sentence in your post that, as written, suggests that there is a difference between 2018-2023 JLs

"But maybe I am wrong and they are as bad as 2018-2019"

 

[Deleted member 59498]

Cool. Yeah I just thought those were the worse years. I have not heard of too many 2022s but maybe there are.

Still I would not spend all that money for painting and what not before there is a problem, when it will be on Jeep I would hope!

 

[Vatdevil]

I’m in the process now of converting to new version hinges, with the zinc shim. I wanted black hinges anyway so that will be the color,. Keeping the screws painted factory color. Also painting the bare aluminum underneath hinges.

I have an end of year 22. Best to verify what you have by unbolting one door hinge. The zinc shim is very thin.

 

[NeilP]

I believe that the zinc shims became available around Feb 2023. They are pretty obvious if they are there. There is a space about the thickness of a credit card between the hinge and door.

I started the claim process on my 2020 in Jan 2023, and after it was approved, I saw the TSB about the new hinges. I requested that ALL hinges in my Jeep be changed out when it was in the body shop. The new hinges were approved & the repairs were completed in mid May.

 

[ScotM]

I tried a preemptive strike on the hinge issue by replacing them with anodized hinges from 74weld, and using a 2 part epoxy coating on the supplied SS Door Bolts. I also place a silicone gasket between the hing and the door to ensure a waterproof seal. And FinallyI used a marine grad anti corrosion grease during assembly. Maybe it will work, maybe it won't, but they look pretty nice. Comments and thoughts are welcomed.

 

[Wulfgang]

Have my 2020 in the shop as we speak. All four doors, hood and tailgate. They are replacing the hood and repairing everything else.
Wetzel CDJR in Richmond, IN has been outstanding for warranty issues and routine maintenance. 6th Jeep.

 

[Bills2ndJeep]

Did FCA introduce a gasket between the hinges and the doors in 2023? I have a 2023 JLUW and tried to see with a flashlight and don't really see it but I can see a small gap so maybe it's in there? I'm thinking of having the hinges taken off and finishing the unpainted area. Tons of salt here in Montreal during the winter would like to keep it rust-free for at least 5 years. Anyone else had that done as a preventative measure?

I had my hinges replaced (at Stelantis expense) over a year ago and the independent shop did a great job. Then about 2 months go I noticed bubbles on the door edges and also the driver's side edge of the hood. Back to the body shop and he (NOT Stelantis!) told me, that it was an issue due to the sealant that was used between the inner and outer skins. Back to the dealer and after a half hour inspection was advised that Stelantis would replace the 2 front doors, hood, and tailgate. Was told that parts are in short supply because so many Wranglers have the same issue and it might be September before the work takes place. I said that I'm OK with that because hopefully by then the rear doors will bubble so they can all be replaced at the same time.

 

[Potato]

I have not heard of 2023 bubbling. Seems a bit paranoid!

The doors are aluminum so not prone to rust.

But maybe I am wrong and they are as bad as 2018-2019

what happened to 2018 to 2019 wranglers? Well I know the steering box was aluminum and it is bad.

 

[FrickinAdam]

The shims do nothing. The issue was how the doors were prepped and used terrible sealing process to protect the Jeep from factory. I have had the doors repainted before and recently the solution is just new panels. The Orange Jeep had 3 doors replaced recently. A lot of the corrosion you will find will also be the lower part of the door where its not prepped well and water, salt will get down below. People are under the assumption the shim is the answer and its not.
They have a new way to prep the panels so hopefully newer jeeps will have less issues.

If you do have issues Jeep is replacing the whole panel.

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