Stiff door locks
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 164
Likes: 18
From: Fort Wayne IN
Stiff door locks
My drivers side door lock is getting very stiff with my key. Enough that when the door gets the fob signal it doesn't have enough umph to unlock the door. I'm making the assumption that the grease is getting old and stiff.
Should I try to clean the lock by squirting something in the key slot or do I need to take the inside panel off the door and clean more of the lock?
What should I use as a solvent/cleaner or lube?
94 Black Rose.
Should I try to clean the lock by squirting something in the key slot or do I need to take the inside panel off the door and clean more of the lock?
What should I use as a solvent/cleaner or lube?
94 Black Rose.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,388
Likes: 2,741
My drivers side door lock is getting very stiff with my key. Enough that when the door gets the fob signal it doesn't have enough umph to unlock the door. I'm making the assumption that the grease is getting old and stiff.
Should I try to clean the lock by squirting something in the key slot or do I need to take the inside panel off the door and clean more of the lock?
What should I use as a solvent/cleaner or lube?
94 Black Rose.
Should I try to clean the lock by squirting something in the key slot or do I need to take the inside panel off the door and clean more of the lock?
What should I use as a solvent/cleaner or lube?
94 Black Rose.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 321
Likes: 44
I had the door skins off on mine so i lubed everything in the locking mechanism while working the locks with key and actuator. The mechanisms work with less effort, but still sort of stiff. Replaced passenger side actuator and though the mechanism seems to move freely the new actuator still doesn’t move the lock completely. I think there is just a lot of drag I all that stuff. I lubed the key tumbler because I don’t see any harm in it. Sprayed silicone into it. If it actually damages anything I’d be amazed, but I take full responsibility for my actions.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 17,062
Likes: 166
From: United States
When I had the door panels off, something apparently was binding. Afterwards, all is well.
But lubricating parts cant hurt. The tumbler was recommended to be lubed with dry film, graphite type years ago. Not sure if that is viable anymore.
But lubricating parts cant hurt. The tumbler was recommended to be lubed with dry film, graphite type years ago. Not sure if that is viable anymore.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 164
Likes: 18
From: Fort Wayne IN
It seems as though one would want to degrease the lock before putting anything such as graphite into it.
But I'm wondering whether there is "old grease" on the solenoid or associated mechanical items that are preventing the east of movement.
However, the door locks work from the interior when manually activating them, but they try to move, but don't seem to have enough umph to unlock from my Key Fob.
I'm just curious what to look for if I have to remove the door panel.
But I'm wondering whether there is "old grease" on the solenoid or associated mechanical items that are preventing the east of movement.
However, the door locks work from the interior when manually activating them, but they try to move, but don't seem to have enough umph to unlock from my Key Fob.
I'm just curious what to look for if I have to remove the door panel.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 17,062
Likes: 166
From: United States
Loosen door paneland see if it locks and unlocks easy. Just start backing screws out, especially ones at door handle. That area can cause binding if you had taken it apart before.
I bet its the rods that are binding
Graphite lube was apopular dry lube back in the day.
I bet its the rods that are binding
Graphite lube was apopular dry lube back in the day.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote