Daimlerchrysler Corporation

Michael J McGregor, Jr

Anna Hui

A tool for aligning a striker to a latch mechanism is provided. The tool includes a body locating portion and first and second locating portions. The body locating portion selectively couples the tool to a first structure, such as a vehicle body. The first location portion has a wedge member and a post member. The post member engages a latch ratchet in the latch mechanism and the tapered surfaces of the wedge member engage either the latch mechanism or the structure to which the latch mechanism is mounted. The second location portion includes a plate member, a positioning member and a positioning structure. The plate member has a first cavity which receives the positioning member. The plate member also has a slot which receives a member of the striker. The positioning structure is coupled to the plate member and slidable thereon along an axis parallel to the first cavity. The positioning structure adapted to contact a rear surface of the second structure. The positioning member disposed at least partially within the first cavity and coupled to the positioning structure such that axial movement of the positioning structure in a first axial direction causes positioning member to move an equal amount in an axial direction opposite the first axial direction. Contact between the positioning structure and the rear surface of the second structure causes the positioning member to move within the slot such that a tip of the positioning member defines a desired position of an outermost portion of the leg of the striker. A method for aligning a striker to a latch mechanism is also provided.

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West Bloomfield, MI, United States of America

Michael J McGregor, Jr