Is there any benefit or reason mazda would make these cars air tight?

 

Bumping an old thread:

I have since replaced all door seals and the metal rod with oem and new door handles. Still no remedy for closing the door easier/better.

I just purchased brand new door hinges (top and bottom both sides) from Mazda and will install those as soon as I get a second help of hands.

Do the fenders need to be removed to install the door hinges?

 

No, no need to remove the fenders.
Note that when I took out the hinges (for whole body repaint) and reinstalled them back the driver's door has become little bit harder to close. I guess there should be some sort of calibration to be done on the door/hinges or I dont know where - never researched this problem though.

 

Someone mentioned to mark the previous spots so you can adequately install the new hinges in the same locations. Not sure if that's the sort of calibration but I'd like to get this installed as smooth as possible.

 

This might be it though. Keep us updated how it will go for you

 

pretty sure you cant get to the hinges with the fender on and if you can then the space will be too tight to get a tool

 

Don't ask questions. But take a bit of electrical tape and wrap it around the striker on the outboard side.

Having owned both a touring and a base model, my touring, even with lower mileage had the tougher to close doors. I kinda compare this to trying to slam a bathroom door closed. The air is escaping from a small opening and I bet you see your sunroof lift slightly. The doors are easy to close on the base. Like I said, don't ask questions, but after I wrapped a bit of tape on the striker of the touring, it closed MUCH easier.

Matt

 

Great way to dent up the door.

 

Door jab scuff plates can make the door harder to close. Lube the hinges, adjust the striker.