Driver Door Latch Issues

[frankwizzle]

I've been having the issue with the driver's side (left front) door where it would only close when shut gently (although no issues with the door ajar sensor). It would be worse when it was really cold out, as the door would not shut completely at all.
This issue has been getting worse over time, even after lubricating all around the door latch. In fact, last week I went all out and hit it with penetrating spray, brake cleaner, and then lithium grease. Now it's even worse! Every time I open the door, especially from the inside, the latch slowly creeps back up and I have to manually push it back down otherwise the door won't close at all.

So my question is, what is the end all solution for this? Can I just replace the latch assembly (part no 4B1837015H) and be done with it or is there another (or cheaper) option?

Thanks

[carmudgeon]

Hinge is wore, drivers door typically happens first since its the most used. I had the exact same issue. There's an adjustment on the hinge to account for wear, although only up to a point. If the wear is too much the hinge has to be replaced. I forget what the process is but it really helps to have another pair of hands to help if you try to do it yourself.

[JTown77]

I have replaced four latches on three audi's, never had a single hinge problem.

[frankwizzle]

Thanks for the responses.

I can see it being the hinges if the door wasn't aligned properly but that's not the case here. The latch itself seems to be the issue as I have to push it down in order to close the door. And it still has to be VERY gentle..

So when replacing the latch, do you replace the complete latch assembly with a new $300 OE unit or are there other options?

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[rollerton]

It's the latch. Had the exact same issue on the S6 recently. No amount of lube or adjustment fixed it. So, I ordered up a pair of these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221932017424...AIT&rmvSB=true

At that price I figured slow shipping would be okay, no big hurry, but they showed up in 5 days! Installed and work perfectly. They looks as good as OEM honestly.

[JTown77]

I have had issues with the ecm and aftermarket latches, I decided to take a chance with salvage parts.

[Rob216]

Had tose issues before during cold winter days. Ended up parking it in the garage with a heater next to the door and spraying abunch of wd40 into the latch mechanism. Havent had a problem since

[estomax]

i replaced my latch with a chinese unit and had problems... got an oem used one but that wore out too.. really not looking forward to plunking down 300 for a new one though.

[Sparkstack]

Op. If you want a known working used one PM me to let me know and I can pull it from my car.

[julex]

Used hinge is ok SO LONG it doesn't come from driver side door and also from a moderate climate part of country from a car that lived there all its life. I would not invest my time as the swap is very complicated imho, into chinese crap.