If a panel is being realigned after a collision, removing the striker during the initial alignment helps ensure proper

If a panel is being realigned after a collision, removing the striker during the initial alignment helps ensure proper

• A. Weather Sealing
• B. Gaps and Latch Alignment
• C. Color Match
• D. Paint Adhesion

Answer: (B)

Removing the striker during initial realignment keeps the door from being affected by the latch strike as you position the panel. With the striker in place, the latch can bind or force the door into a slight misfit, making it hard to judge true gaps around the jamb and proper latch engagement. By taking the striker out first, you can freely align the door to achieve even gaps at the top, bottom, and sides and ensure the latch will seat correctly when the striker is reinstalled. Weather sealing, color match, and paint adhesion aren’t the primary concerns of this early alignment step.

Removing the striker during initial realignment keeps the door from being affected by the latch strike as you position the panel. With the striker in place, the latch can bind or force the door into a slight misfit, making it hard to judge true gaps around the jamb and proper latch engagement. By taking the striker out first, you can freely align the door to achieve even gaps at the top, bottom, and sides and ensure the latch will seat correctly when the striker is reinstalled. Weather sealing, color match, and paint adhesion aren’t the primary concerns of this early alignment step.