SixStick

The drivers door on my 2004 seems to be a bit loose. When I hit a bump or on rough rough roads it seems to shake a bit. Wondering if the door seal is shot and is allowing the door to move?

PaperToast

doubtful its the seal
most likely the latch, they get stuck when its cold

SixStick

Took a look more closely this weekend and saw that the U-shaped bar of the striker latch was a just slightly loose. Overall the door seems to fit properly but the top right corner of the window frame is out about 1/8".

I'm thinking or replacing the striker latch to start. Does anyone know if I remove it if the nuts to the striker latch inside the B pillar will stay in place so I can install the new one?

PetrolBear

Check for hinges. Above 200.000km they might need readjustment.
This should eliminate "moving" of the door.
Futher, the gap at the right top could be resolved by this measure, too.
If not, the "inner door" (in the manufacturer's original German language) which means the black metal frame wich holds the side windshield must have been loosened and misadjusted. This is not very rare due to harsh door smashings. It can be readjusted via 2 big screws and 2 metal wedges inside the door panel. You need to remove the inner door lining to reach them.
First check for the 2 hinges.