How to clean door locks?
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 74
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How to clean door locks?
When I bought the car, the outside door handle was broken. I have now bought a new one, but I think there was a reason that the old one broke.
The locking unit inside the door is full of old oil, dust and sand. And it seems to be hard to operate.
Anyone have an idea on how this could be cleaned and lubed? Maybe diesel or something? Its not so easy to brush it inside, so I think maybe it must be "bathing" in something....?
:-)
The locking unit inside the door is full of old oil, dust and sand. And it seems to be hard to operate.
Anyone have an idea on how this could be cleaned and lubed? Maybe diesel or something? Its not so easy to brush it inside, so I think maybe it must be "bathing" in something....?
:-)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 198
From: Meriden CT
Thats what I did with both of mine. Took them out and hosed them with petroleum based engine degreaser and a scrub brush, rinse out with a garden hose, back again with simple green and brush,
hose off, blow dry with compressed air, re-lube with a light oil and work the mechanism during cleaning. Most of the zinc plating was still on mine, probably protected by the grime. They work alot easier now.
hose off, blow dry with compressed air, re-lube with a light oil and work the mechanism during cleaning. Most of the zinc plating was still on mine, probably protected by the grime. They work alot easier now.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I pulled both my door latching mechanisms and cleaned them using brake cleaner. After cleaning I used white lithium to lube everything. Been working great for the last several years. My door lock was worn out on the drivers side so I had to get new locks all around.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
If you take the whole lock mechanism out, just buy a gallon of "Super Clean" at Wal-Mart (in Auto area). It is biodegradable and really a very good cleaner for grease. Just put lock in a plastic tub and pour the "Super Clean" over it. The cleaner will work on its own, if the part is submerged; or just keep flipping the lock over. A trimmed down paint brush works good to get crevices cleaned out. When done, just flush with water and let dry. Then get some white lithium grease--in a tube, not spray junk--and lube up the appropriate areas. It should be good for 20 years, anyway.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Moon Township PA
Good advice and I have done this on a 66 I used to own and on my 72. Really, any good solvent will work. I used gasoline (I know, I know - save the soap box comment) and a parts brush. I cleaned everything down to bare metal and then relubed with white lithium grease. I went from a difficult lock to a very smooth operating one.
Take pictures of the clips and the rod attachments so that you have a digital record when you put it all together. And, go slowly.
Gary
Take pictures of the clips and the rod attachments so that you have a digital record when you put it all together. And, go slowly.
Gary
