Lock Symptoms

["Al Powell" <apowell@agcom.tamu.edu>]

Rich Romero posted about a "gritty" feel to the door lock in his V8. 
 It's probably time for a reminder - 

If you have resistance to the door locks opening OR especially to 
opening the door handles in the 5000/100/200 series, the fix is to 
remove the door panels and lubricate ALL the pivot points in the lock 
mechanism.  I repeat, ALL of them.  These series are famous for 
problems, especially breaking door handles in the 5K series.  The 
problem is NOT the handle or lock, it's the lock linkage.

The problem is that there are a LOT of lock linkage pivot points.  
They get dirty and cause mechanical resistance to the action of 
handle and lock.  If they are properly lubricated, you should be able 
to open the door with two fingers easily!

I prefer white lithium grease in a pressure can with the red nozzle 
for this, as it helps place the goo where it's needed.

Hope this helps Rich and others.  In the 5K series, it should be an 
annual exercise.


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Al Powell                        Voice:  409/845-2807
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