Nissan and Infiniti door detent mechanisms (a.k.a. door check straps) are poorly designed. The doors like to close on your legs when you're trying to get in and out of the car. A new part is $80.00 and must be purchased from the dealer. I have devised a modification or fix for the problem.
The detent mechanism shown here is for a 2005 Infiniti G35 2 door coupe. The same part is used on the Nissan Maxima and many other Nissan and Infiniti models. To remove the detent mechanism you have to remove the door panel then remove the speaker (three Phillips 10mm hex head screws). With the door fully opened remove the three 10mm hex head bolts in the door jamb that mounts the detent mechanism. Reach in through the speaker hole and pull out the detent mechanism.
Once the detent mechanism is removed, mark the top position of both the cover and the housing.
Pry open the 4 locking tabs so you can remove the cover. Inside you will see 2 pieces of nylon and 2 rubber pieces compressing the nylon inserts into the detent bar.
Make a small shim from a piece of sheet metal 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) thick.
Pry out the top piece of rubber. Cut and grind the shim until it fits evenly in the housing. For easier installation, taper the back of the shim almost to a knife's edge. Put the rubber piece back into the housing and lubricate the shim with some soap or wax. Press the shim in between the housing and the rubber piece. It will not go in easily, you will need to use vise grips or channel lock pliers. Once installed, the shim should fit flush.
I decided to modify the detent bar because the radii were too rounded from wear. I used a 1/8 inch carbide cutter to square off the radius. This makes it more difficult for the nylon pieces to slide over the detent bar.
Before
After
Reassemble the cover. Bolt the cover and housing together temporarily with two 10 mm hex head bolts and washers to align and hold the cover to the housing. Bend the locking tabs back over the housing and tap tight with a small hammer. Reinstall the detent mechanism through the speaker hole and fasten to the jamb.
You will notice a big difference in its operation. Let me know how this modification works out for you. I'm also considering making oversize nylon inserts for the detent mechanism instead of shimming.
