Door Lock Lubrication

[richgod]

I know this has been discussed somewhere previously, but darned if I can locate the thread now. .



What is the best product to use for lubricating the (external) door lock mechanism on the '93s?? My key is getting hard to turn in the drivers side door, and sounds like fingernails scraping on a blackboard when it DOES turn. I know the dealer lubed it many years ago, but I really don't want to pay the 95+/hr to squirt some lube in it when I can do it myself!

Any advice greatly appreciated.



Richard

Raleigh, NC

 

[JGrefenstette]

i have the same problem. alot of the time the lock hangs up and i have to take the key out and turn it over. I take 3in1 oil and soak the key with it, then plunge it back and forth. thats seems to do a good job.



my passenger do doesnot always unlock. ill manually pull up the plunger and it will be hung up inside. the key rarely can open the passenger door from outside. i tightened the bolts on the lock where it meets the rod in the cab. helps a little , but that door is just a pain in the butt. in order to open it from the outside, i have to work the key back and forth over and over hoping to catch it just right.



anyclues?

 

[cerberusiam]

I ended up taking the door latch out of the passenger door and soaking for several hours in solvent to get rid of the accumulated crud. Had to pull the door panel with door closed and reach in to get it unlocked. Still have the scars. #@$%!



I used a silicone based lube to get it working correct again. The only problem I have now is if you try to open the door when locked it will hang a bit before allowing the key to unlock. Still a little dirty somewhere I guess.

 

[DBF]

Was this the thread you were seeking:
https://www.turbodieselregister.com...rum-1989-1993/183989-help-door-wont-open.html

Regards, DBF

 

[WJones]

tri flow works pretty well.

 

[Allnew2Me]

The best thing to use is graphite powder on lock mechanisms because it is dry and won't attract dust and dirt and gum up. Shooting it with a wet lube will loosen it up for a while but as time goes by it will become stiff and require the remove-and-soak again. You can get it in a tube at a hardware store and has a tip that will insert into the lock and you give it a small shot and work the key in and out. Also if it is dry it won't have the annoying habit of freezing up. I know most of the lubes themselves won't freeze but they seem to attract moisture for some reason.

 

[richgod]

Locks working now

Thanks for the replies, guys.

I decided to go with the graphite powder. . seems to work fine now. Now the next thing I have to do to the old '93 is replace the window gaskets, find some bucket seats (preferable power) put in new carpeting, fix the power door lock switches, get a paint job... and on, and on, and on...

I just DON'T want to get rid of my first gen!



Thanks again.



Richard