Cherokee door Steward

TMcCArcher · July 5

I have an issue with my original sliding door holder. The spring steel rod under the track has a break in it. It is not completely broken. Does anyone have knowledge on how to take apart the slid and replacing the spring steel part? Also does anyone have a link to a parts breakdown of the mechanism? Thanks

griff390 · July 5

https://piperowner.org/talk/discussion/157716/cherokee-door-steward

Here's a couple links to the spring:

https://www.airward.com/products/aw-65727-000-spring-door-slide-pa28-32

https://www.cable-caddy.com/store/p75/Airplane_parts_Piper_Aircraft%2C_SS_spring_doorstop%2Fcabin_door%2FDoor_steward%2Frepair.html#/

I also found them on eBay.

TMcCArcher · July 7

Excellent, thanks Griff.

Ordered from Airward, hopefully instructions are included.

YV2183 · July 8

The door steward is suppossed to keep the door open correct? My new to me 1980 PA28RT doesnt keep it open... could this be what I'm missing?

TMcCArcher · July 8

Use a mirror or your phone to look at the underside of the slide for the wire spring. It puts tension on the slide mechanism.

griff390 · July 8

https://piperowner.org/talk/discussion/comment/1449643#Comment_1449643

It could very well be the problem. TmccArcher gave good advice on checking.

You may consider removing the slide from the airplane. It's an easy job. There are only 2 attach points, one on the door frame and one on the bottom of the door.

If there is no tension or friction in the slide and it moves freely, there's a good chance that the spring is broken. It's common. Fortunately it is a serviceable part.

YV2183 · July 9

I'll have a picture taken tomorrow and report back! My friend will be taking the plane up

alan@txfliers.com · September 23

I had the same problem. PA28-180D,

New part cost is ridiculous. The metal spring breaks and can be replaced. Air Parts West in Lubbock, Tx has the original part - 65730-00 Spring-door stay (Piper) NEW, $11.

Remove the slide assembly from the door. Drill out the rivet you see in your photo at the the top of the inner slide. The slide will come apart. The spring is held in place by a thin brass keeper and has a "hook" to keep the spring in place. You do not have to remove the parts that keep the hook end of the spring in place. I was able to carefully bend up the brass keeper and slide in the new spring.

Once the spring was in place the slide goes back together. I used an aluminum rivet to attach the screw bracket on the end. It reinstalls as expected and the door stays open just fine. $20 and about an hours work. Log book entry and done.

Cherokee door Steward

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