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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: javalin on 22 August 2011, 10:58

Title: drivers door lock freezes in winter...
Post by: javalin on 22 August 2011, 10:58
Hello,

I've got my drivers door appart to cure the lock freezing in the winter, but can't see anything obviously wrong that would allow water in and freeze.

Suggested by a mate to cover with greese?

Any other tricks?

Pics here - http://javalins.wordpress.com/2011/08/21/golf-mk3-drivers-door-strip/ (http://javalins.wordpress.com/2011/08/21/golf-mk3-drivers-door-strip/)

James
Title: Re: drivers door lock freezes in winter...
Post by: DigitalDogg on 22 August 2011, 12:56

the same happens to me every year, im glad you have brought this issue up because i need help too :wink:
i've been running warm water over the lock and it dose your head in at 5.30 in the morning :angry:
Title: Re: drivers door lock freezes in winter...
Post by: javalin on 22 August 2011, 13:06
or having to climb in through (at best) passenger side, (medium) rear doors or (worst) via a window....   :sad:

J
Title: Re: drivers door lock freezes in winter...
Post by: nikkiy9 on 22 August 2011, 13:50
fit a remote central locking kit, it removes the need to use the key to open the car
Title: Re: drivers door lock freezes in winter...
Post by: mellow yellow on 22 August 2011, 14:27
 :lipsrsealed: i just leave mine open  :laugh:

... or fill a bottle of warm water and pour it over the lock to defrost it. i think its just one of those things you have to put up with if you dont have remote locking.
Title: Re: drivers door lock freezes in winter...
Post by: javalin on 22 August 2011, 14:41
I do have remote locking, but what happens is that handle will move and the pump runs, etc, but the pins which "lock/unlock" the door get frozen stuck.  So whilst you can move the mechanisum, it doesn't open the door as its still locked....
Title: Re: drivers door lock freezes in winter...
Post by: Jack3559 on 22 August 2011, 14:59
Drape a towel over the drivers door.
Title: Re: drivers door lock freezes in winter...
Post by: trog_nfs on 22 August 2011, 15:02
Clean up the lock and mechanism the best you can, then pack with some good grease like LM grease that won't just wash away. Should do the trick
Title: Re: drivers door lock freezes in winter...
Post by: javalin on 22 August 2011, 15:11
good idea - how about marine grease - i.e. its designed not to wash away with water.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Unipart-Waterproof-Marine-Boat-Grease-bearing-sterntube-/250873715084?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_BoatEquipment_Accessories_SM&hash=item3a693d198c (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Unipart-Waterproof-Marine-Boat-Grease-bearing-sterntube-/250873715084?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_BoatEquipment_Accessories_SM&hash=item3a693d198c)

??
Title: Re: drivers door lock freezes in winter...
Post by: trog_nfs on 22 August 2011, 15:22
can see no reason why not. Wheel bearing grease (like LM) works well too, used to use it to lube my coilover threads up, didn't wash away in a hurry
Title: Re: drivers door lock freezes in winter...
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 22 August 2011, 18:03
Is it winter again already?  :undecided: :sad: :cry:
Title: Re: drivers door lock freezes in winter...
Post by: javalin on 23 August 2011, 08:37
not quite :-)

Just fixing the problem (I hope) before then!!!
Title: Re: drivers door lock freezes in winter...
Post by: Khare on 23 August 2011, 10:42
Clean up the lock and mechanism the best you can, then pack with some good grease like LM grease that won't just wash away. Should do the trick

That's the best thing to do. The other option is one these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/defrost-key-ideal-solution-frozen-locks-/320747571004?pt=UK_Collectable_ToolsHasdware_RL&hash=item4aae0b873c#ht_500wt_1156 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/defrost-key-ideal-solution-frozen-locks-/320747571004?pt=UK_Collectable_ToolsHasdware_RL&hash=item4aae0b873c#ht_500wt_1156), although I've never tried one or heard reviews about them.

Pouring warm water over it makes it worse, as it'll just make it freeze up the next morning and will cause the lock to rust out eventually.
Title: Re: drivers door lock freezes in winter...
Post by: javalin on 23 August 2011, 10:47
Hiya

Thanks, I covered with grease last night.  I think I got into it enough - its tucked away a bit.  Have also ordered the spray variety, might do some more maybe....?

I think I can see what might have been going on.  The outer (towards the outside of the door) window rail terminates above, or near the lock so I wonder if it was funnelling the water into the lock when it rains.

Got it done last night, before todays rain - didn't want to grease the wet in!

Last picture... http://javalins.wordpress.com/2011/08/21/golf-mk3-drivers-door-strip/ (http://javalins.wordpress.com/2011/08/21/golf-mk3-drivers-door-strip/)

James