Very common problem, usually easily fixed with an adjustment.  If you
look at the rear edge of the sliding door where it latches you will see
a pin sticking out that has a hex at the base.  Take a pencil and go
around the base to mark where it is when you start. Now loosen it and
move the pin about 1/8" out toward the outside of the van, keeping it on
the same level as it was in the tracing.  Now shut the door and see if
it feels like it is latching better.  What can happen is that the door
is closing and latching but the latch has two detents.  When you shut
the door the pin is only being grabbed by the first detent and not the
second one.  So when you go down the road and hit a few bumps it moves
to the first detent and the door is loose.  Moving the pin outboard
allows the latch to fully engage and securely grab the pin on the second
detent.  If you need a little more, you can always move the pin out
board a little more.  Worst case scenario your latch mechanism is worn
out.  You can always get a good used one from me and then move your pin
back to where you originally marked it.  Let me know if we can help you
further.
On 7/3/2014 9:51 AM, Geneva Saint-Amour wrote:
> Hello listers-  Guru's of the VW Vanagon world (and more).  I apologize for my attitude the other day.  Please forgive.
> Today's issue is that our slider door is misbehaving.  It is latched when we take off.  But after a few turns and bumps it pops and unlatches.  It does not slide open, and is not completely unlatched.  Just loose enough to rattle.  Which end needs adjusting and which parts can we address to stop this?  (PS- the front doors are also fitting differently since we put on the new springs and shocks!)   Geneva and Mike www.slowcarfasthouse.com1985 Westfalia/Adventurewagen/Bostig

--
Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com
Phone: 856-327-4936
Fax: 856-327-2242