Stiff Door Lock

[sgilwb]

I'm guessing I'm not the first with this problem. but can't find anything similar.

When using a key to open the drivers door, it is really stiff in the lock - to the point I am afraid of breaking the key. Doubt it's the actual lock because it locks fine from inside or using the auto lock function. I'm planning to pull the door panel off, but not sure what to look for. Any ideas?

Thanks!

[CREGAN]

Did you try lubing the crap out of it with some WD40? I did that and it got rid of the problem.

Craig

[atarijedi]

WD40 isn't a lubricant, it is a penetrating fluid.

[CREGAN]

My apologies. I used a penetrating spray called wd40 on my door locks. Worked well. Now that's cleared up, you should try it.

Craig

[sfd_656]

locksmiths generally use graphite powder to lubricate locks, because using a liquid actually attracts dust and grime eventually leading to further problems. Graphite powder is available at any hardware store. used it in our lock when we were having the problem and it seemed to have worked, but they became stiff again when we went to cold alberta but alot of things happened in alberta that righted themselves when we thawed out.

[Dino]

Automotive exterior lock cylinders usually have a little flap that seals out most of the dirt and crud unlike a lock cylinder on a house door or safe. At work we give a shot of adhesive grease inside the lock cylinders with every oil change. It's a bit excessive, but it helps to keep them from binding up on people. If it's stuck or stiff I'd go with flushing it out with WD40 or any other penetrating oil, work the key back and forth until it frees up. Then flush out the penetrating oil with a small shot of brake cleaner (be careful to not get any on the paint), and spray some grease in there. We use Wurth HHS2000 grease, I don't think it is sold publicly but I'm sure there would be an equivalent product at any automotive store.

If a lock cylinder gets really seized your best bet is to remove it from the door completely and submerge it in automatic transmission fluid (dexron/mercon/ATF-4) for a few hours. ATF is really good at creeping into every pore of the metal and eats away at rust really well.

If it's frozen due to cold you can get "lock de-icer" at a hardware or automotive store. Just hold the flap open with a toothpick and put a few drops of it into the lock (like eye drops).

[nxski]

My passenger side lock does this, my soloution was to install power locks. Before that I tried lithium spray (because it doesn't attract dust) and that worked somewhat well for a while but wasn't a permed ant soloution.

[yojimbo]

Graphite every time on locks, and window runners too.