A Practical Guide to Replacing Your 2005-2016 Scion tC Door Hinges
Address sagging, popping, or misaligned doors on your Scion tC by choosing the right replacement hinge.
- The Scion tC's long, heavy doors put significant stress on the hinges, leading to sagging over time.
- Confirm if your issue is a sagging hinge or a faulty door check, which causes a popping noise and is a common issue on 2005-2006 models.
- Aftermarket hinges from brands like Dorman and Replacement are cost-effective alternatives to expensive OEM parts.
- New hinges must be painted to match your car's color before installation.
Is It Your Hinge or Your Door Check?
Before replacing your door hinges, it's important to identify the true source of your door problem. Many Scion tC owners, particularly those with first-generation models (2005-2010), mistake a faulty door check for a bad hinge.
- Door Hinges: These are the two mechanisms that the door pivots on. Failure here causes the door to physically sag downwards. You'll notice you have to lift the door to get it to latch properly.
- Door Check: This is an arm that connects the door to the car body, designed to stop the door from swinging open uncontrollably. On 2005-2006 models, a known issue with the door check design can cause a loud clicking or popping sound and may even damage the window track inside the door. If your door swings open too freely or makes a popping noise, the door check is the likely culprit. 🎬 Watch this video to diagnose and fix that snapping noise.
This guide focuses on replacing the door hinges, which is the correct repair for a sagging door.
Symptoms of a Failing Scion tC Door Hinge
Worn door hinges on a Scion tC will show clear signs of failure. Because the doors are long and heavy, wear can become noticeable over the years.
- Door Sag: The most common symptom. The door will appear lower than the body line when open and will be difficult to close without lifting it. 🎬 See how to identify and fix a sagging door alignment.
- Popping or Grinding Noises: While popping is also a symptom of a bad door check, severe hinge wear can also cause noises as the metal components grind against each other.
- Difficult to Open or Close: The door may feel like it's catching on the striker pin, requiring you to slam it shut.
- Visible Wear: You may see rust or metal shavings around the hinge pins and bushings.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Door Hinge
For the 2005-2016 Scion tC, you have a few good options when it comes to new aftermarket door hinges. Original Equipment (OEM) hinges from Toyota are available but are often significantly more expensive. Aftermarket parts offer a cost-effective solution that can meet or exceed the quality of the original parts.
| Brand Tier | Our Brands | Quality & Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Replacement | Replacement | This brand offers a direct, budget-friendly replacement for your factory hinge. It's designed to match the original fit and function, making it a straightforward choice for restoring proper door alignment without the high cost of an OEM part. |
| Heavy-Duty / OE Plus | Dorman | Dorman is a well-regarded aftermarket manufacturer known for creating parts that often address the weaknesses of the original factory design. A Dorman hinge for your tC is engineered for durability and may feature improved materials or bearings to better handle the stress from the tC's heavy doors. |
Pro Tip: Replace in Pairs
It is highly recommended to replace both the upper and lower hinges on the same door at the same time. If one hinge has failed, the other has been subjected to the same amount of stress and is likely worn as well. Replacing both ensures a proper, long-lasting alignment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to paint the new door hinge?
Yes. Aftermarket door hinges typically come with a black e-coating for corrosion resistance, but they are not painted to match your vehicle's color. You will need to have the hinge painted before installation to match your car's body and prevent rust.
Can I just replace the door hinge pins and bushings?
Yes, pin and bushing kits are available and can be a solution if the hinge body itself is in good condition. However, if the hinge housing is worn or elongated where the pin sits, replacing only the pin will not solve the sagging issue. For a permanent fix, replacing the entire hinge assembly is often the better choice.
Is the upper or lower hinge more likely to fail?
The upper hinge typically bears more of the door's weight and is often the first to show signs of wear. However, both hinges work together, and wear on one will accelerate wear on the other. This is why it's best to replace them as a set.
Is this a difficult DIY job?
Replacing a door hinge is a moderately difficult job. It can be done without completely removing the door, but it requires careful support of the door's weight to prevent it from falling. You will also need to realign the door after installation, which can be tricky. If you are not comfortable with this process, a body shop can perform the work.
🎬 Watch our step-by-step walkthrough on how to replace a hinge.Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 68710-02020 68720-02020 68730-02080
The door hinge assembly consists of two parts: one that bolts to the vehicle's A-pillar and one that bolts to the door. They are connected by a central pin. The assembly is specific to the upper or lower position and the driver or passenger side.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Scion tC: