For commercial vehicle owners operating models such as the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, or Citroën Relay, maintaining the structural integrity of rear door mechanisms isn’t merely a convenience – it’s a critical safety consideration. The rear door lock striker latch plays a pivotal role in ensuring doors remain securely closed during transit, particularly for vehicles subjected to frequent loading cycles or harsh driving conditions. The aftermarket replacement striker latch (OEM reference 1345736080) has garnered attention as a potential solution for wear-related issues, prompting a closer examination of its design, compatibility, and real-world performance.
Precision Engineering and Material Specifications
Constructed from high-grade steel and finished with a corrosion-resistant zinc-nickel coating, this component adheres to OEM specifications for tensile strength and durability. The striker’s U-shaped profile features laser-cut dimensions optimised to match factory mounting points, eliminating alignment issues reported in some universal-fit alternatives. Thermal treatment during manufacturing ensures consistent hardness ratings between 45-50 HRC, a crucial factor in preventing premature deformation under the constant mechanical stress of commercial operations.
Owners of high-mileage vehicles have particularly noted the striker’s resistance to surface degradation. One Ducato operator remarked, “After twelve months of daily use on construction sites, there’s no visible rust – the coating holds up better than the original part ever did.” This aligns with laboratory testing data showing 720+ hours of salt spray resistance, a vital characteristic for vehicles operating in coastal regions or winter road maintenance duties.
Installation and Compatibility Considerations
Direct bolt-on compatibility remains a key selling point, with the striker’s mounting hole pattern matching factory specifications to within 0.2mm tolerance. However, some users advise thorough cleaning of threaded receiver points before installation. A Boxer owner commented, “The bolts seated perfectly once I’d wire-brushed the old thread locker residue – took twenty minutes per side with basic tools.” This underscores the importance of proper preparation, though no modifications or specialist equipment are required for competent DIY installation.
The component’s interchangeability across multiple marques stems from the shared Sevel van platform underpinning Ducato, Boxer, and Relay models from 2006 onwards. Mechanics highlight the importance of verifying vehicle-specific door configuration, particularly on refrigerated variants or models with factory-fitted twin rear doors. “We’ve fitted these to both single and double-door setups without adjustment,” noted a workshop technician, “but always cross-reference the VIN against the manufacturer’s compatibility charts first.”
Operational Performance and Longevity
Field reports suggest a marked improvement over worn OEM units in eliminating door rattle – a common complaint in ageing commercial vehicles. The redesigned engagement surface incorporates micro-serrations that maintain consistent latch pressure without requiring excessive door-slamming force. A courier driver observed, “The doors click shut properly now, even when the van’s parked on uneven ground. No more worrying about parcels shifting during hard cornering.”
Durability under thermal stress has proven particularly noteworthy. Independent testing subjected multiple units to 1500+ open/close cycles across temperatures ranging from -30°C to +80°C, with no measurable deformation or loss of spring tension. This performance parameter proves critical for operators in extreme climates, with one Relay owner in Scandinavia reporting flawless operation through two consecutive winters without ice-related jamming incidents.
Critical User Feedback and Practical Considerations
While the majority of feedback remains positive, a small number of users emphasise the importance of post-installation adjustment. The striker’s three-way mounting slots allow for 5mm of vertical and horizontal alignment fine-tuning, which some find necessary when replacing significantly worn components. “Took five minutes with a Torx bit to eliminate a slight misalignment,” mentioned a maintenance supervisor, “but once dialled in, the door closure feels factory-fresh.”
A recurring theme in user testimonials centres on the improved security aspect. The hardened steel construction resists forced entry attempts more effectively than standard-grade alternatives, with several fleet managers specifying these strikers as part of their vehicle hardening protocols. “Our insurance assessor approved them as a theft deterrent modification,” revealed a logistics company operator, “which wasn’t the case with some pattern parts we’d tried previously.”
Environmental and Maintenance Factors
The zinc-nickel plating not only prevents corrosion but also reduces friction between moving components. This translates to reduced wear on associated parts like latch mechanisms and door seals. Workshops report a 60% reduction in follow-up adjustments compared to inferior coated units, particularly in vehicles subjected to frequent wash cycles or chemical exposure.
End-users appreciate the maintenance-free design, with the self-lubricating properties of the coating eliminating the need for periodic greasing. “Our workshop schedules used to include striker lubrication every service,” noted a fleet maintenance coordinator, “but these have stayed bone-dry and fully functional through 25,000-mile intervals.”
For operators requiring compliance with strict safety standards, the component’s ECE R11 certification provides assurance regarding crash integrity. This certification confirms the striker maintains structural integrity under forces exceeding 10kN – a critical factor in rollover scenarios where door retention is paramount.
In summary, this aftermarket rear door lock striker latch presents a compelling option for Ducato, Boxer, and Relay owners seeking OEM-level performance with enhanced durability characteristics. Its precision engineering addresses common failure points observed in high-mileage commercial vehicles while maintaining the straightforward installation requirements essential for minimising workshop downtime. The combination of robust material specifications and thoughtful design refinements positions it as a viable long-term solution for preserving door system integrity in demanding operating environments.
Stoplock Pro Elite Car Steering Wheel Lock HG 150-00 - Safe Secure Heavy Duty Anti-Theft Bar - Universal Fit - Includes 2 Keys and Carry Bag, Black/Yellow, 1 Unit
Tevlaphee Steering Wheel Lock Twin Bar, Steering Lock, Car Anti-Theft Device, High Visibility, Heavy Duty, Universal Fit, Adjustable Length,3 Keys(Yellow)
20% Off
Milenco HS Yellow Steering Wheel Lock
£71.59 (as of July 9, 2025 11:15 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Stoplock HG 134-59 Original Anti-Theft Key Lock Steering Wheel Lock - Anti-Theft Security Deterrence Device for Cars and Other Vehicles, Yellow
£32.98 (as of July 9, 2025 11:15 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Xtremeauto Heavy Duty Steering Wheel Lock - Universal Car Anti Theft Lock, Elite Car Lock Anti-Theft Device, Van Crook Lock, Car Security Device, Car Lock Steering Wheel Devices with Two Keys
£24.99 (as of July 9, 2025 11:15 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Tevlaphee Steering Wheel Lock, Steering Lock, Car Anti-Theft Device, Adjustable, Universal Fit, Heavy Duty Secure, 3 Keys, Emergency Hammer Window Breaker(Black)
20% Off
Elsjoy Steering Wheel to Brake Lock with Keys, Anti-Theft Car Locking Device Universal Security Lock for Vehicle, Brake Pedal Lock for Car, Truck, SUV, Van
£21.99 (as of July 9, 2025 11:43 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Disklok Gold Security Edition Car Steering Wheel Full Cover Anti- Angle Grinder Anti-Theft Lock Police Approved (Silver, Small 35cm - 39cm)
£169.99 (as of July 9, 2025 11:15 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Streetwize SWDH Double Hook Steering Wheel Lock - Yellow, Heavy Duty Wheel Lock with Cross Locking Mechanism, Hi-Vis Deterrent. Anti-Theft Locking Devices
9% Off
