Door Locks: Service and Repair

Binding Lock Cylinders

In many cases, applying the proper lubrication can correct the following conditions:

* Binding or sticking door lock cylinders
* Difficulty in inserting and removing the keys

For lubricating the above components, use lubricant GM P/N 12346241 or equivalent

Do not use penetrating lubricants such as GM P/N 1052949 or WD-40(R). Penetrating lubricants wash out the original lubrication. Penetrating lubricants eventually evaporate, leaving little or no lubricating material. However, when using penetrating lubricants in order to thaw or in order to loosen the lock cylinder components, refer to steps 2-4 in the procedure below for the proper methods of lubrication.

Repair lock cylinders frozen in cold weather by using the following procedure:

1. While carefully avoiding damage to the painted surfaces, apply heat to the cylinder with a heat gun.
2. Using a paper clip or a similar item, hold the door shutter open.
Force air into the cylinders using compressed air through a blow gun attachment.
3. While holding the shutter door open, inject small amounts of a recommended lubricant into the cylinder.
4. Work the key into the cylinder repeatedly.
Wipe away any excess lubrication from the key.