Door Latch Sticking
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,706
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Door Latch Sticking
While I'm lazying around, waiting for brunch to be ready, I'm trying to decide which small job I'll do on the car today. It's nice and sunny but cool so I don't want to spend more than an hour working on it before a short drive.
About a month ago, my driver's side door latch (lock mechanism) started sticking. If you open the door from the outside, it won't latch closed until you tug on the inside door release lever. You hear a click and the close the door as normal. I know that using white grease or other dirt attractants are verboten in the door but I'm not enthusiastic about spending he day removing the latch and cleaning it. Is there a short term fix like graphite? WD40 maybe?
Long term am I best removing and cleaning the mechanism properly or should I just replace that stamped steel monstrosity? If so, who makes a good replacement?
About a month ago, my driver's side door latch (lock mechanism) started sticking. If you open the door from the outside, it won't latch closed until you tug on the inside door release lever. You hear a click and the close the door as normal. I know that using white grease or other dirt attractants are verboten in the door but I'm not enthusiastic about spending he day removing the latch and cleaning it. Is there a short term fix like graphite? WD40 maybe?
Long term am I best removing and cleaning the mechanism properly or should I just replace that stamped steel monstrosity? If so, who makes a good replacement?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 164
From: Broadview hts Ohio
I had this same issue on my drivers door. I purchased a good used mechanism, but ended up not needing it. What the issue was the door handle rod/pin connector where is attaches to the door lock mechanism. There was too much play as it pivoted and would bind, not letting the latch work properly. I had cleaned and lubed everything first to no avail. The fix was to use some mechanics wire around the rod and pin to hold it from moving some much and thus it would no longer bind.
Joe
Joe
