MK3 door locks

[rodpaslow]

I have one apart at the moment, the lock part of the door was basically frozen, the vacuum actuator couldn't move it and you couldn't push the lock down either.  I've free'd it and now it moves.  I'm wondering how easy/hard to move can it be before the actuator won't move it?  I don't want to put it in the car till I know it works.

[rodpaslow]

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[rodpaslow]

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[rodpaslow]

What's the best lubricant to keep these things working?  The other three work perfectly, you'd think the drivers door would be the most used.

[theman53]

Lube it all works well so does Castle products spray grease.

[rodpaslow]

I cleaned it all up and tested it without putting it in the car and worked fine.  Everything just needs to be kept clean.  Are there any tricks to getting the lock rod back in place.  Man, I had a epic problem getting that in place.  I think it took an extra hour just to get it back in place with the latch.  Putting the rest of the door back together is easy.

[the caveman]

They are just really a PITA. Every year my driver's door freezes up. Neither the outer or inner handle will open the lock esp. after a quick freeze or esp. after rain and then freezing temps.What I do every year to try to prevent it is to remove the plastic cap that covers the adjustment screw, blow it out with shop air and then use a good quality lube( this year it's Wurth film) at that adjustment mechanism and at the latch. The reason I address the issue at the adjustment lever is if you look at it when you are pulling the handle, that is where the mechanism is moving( it's where you adjust the handle free play). Will find out tomorrow how well this lube worked

[Patrick]

They are just really a PITA. Every year my driver's door freezes up. Neither the outer or inner handle will open the lock esp. after a quick freeze or esp. after rain and then freezing temps.What I do every year to try to prevent it is to remove the plastic cap that covers the adjustment screw, blow it out with shop air and then use a good quality lube( this year it's Wurth film) at that adjustment mechanism and at the latch. The reason I address the issue at the adjustment lever is if you look at it when you are pulling the handle, that is where the mechanism is moving( it's where you adjust the handle free play). Will find out tomorrow how well this lube worked

 

I have this problem with my wife's '96 golf right now.... am I going to need a new latch? Or does this need to be pulled apart and cleaned up?

[vanbcguy]

If it just happens when it freezes then lubrication is the answer. Largely because grease doesn't let the water in...

[CrazyAndy]

I like good old WD40 before a cold night in my '98 myself; keeps things pretty dry if you coat it all well enough, and won't harden up like grease if you keep piling it up.  It is a stopgap measure, though.  The best as many have said is removal, cleaning the old grease out, and applying a new fresh film of spray lubricant.  You've pretty much done it all right, now just install; wish I could give you recommendations on the lock rod, though, as I've struggled with both my rear doors already.

[theman53]

WD is usually pretty bad. I have been using Castle products spray grease and any old dry graphite lube, but that is not mKIII.

[rodpaslow]

I found a lubricant, can't remember name will post it later, but it goes on clear and works its self into areas that need it.  It goes on very light, thin like a spray oil almost, and then thickens so it can get into areas that thicker grease can't.  Seems okay for now.

[theman53]

sounds exactly like the castle products spray grease