Clean / Replace Trimark Compartment Latch

[ProjectPro]

My compartment spring latches sometimes stick in the retracted (open) position.when I open them. It gets worse in cold weather. I'm pretty sure it's from grime that was built up on the lubrication the original owner did in the name of maintenance.

I thought about removing the mechanism for cleaning or replacing. I removed four screws from a cover on the interior part of the door, but the latch didn't yield to my gentle persuasion. I'm worried that if I apply more pressure I could pull off paint, or that I'm not doing the right things to remove the latch assembly.

Anyone know how to remove these? Can I clean and apply a dry lube to them, or should I just replace the mechanisms? Here's a picture of one of them.

[Dutch Star Don]

For fear of damaging the paint, I would clean them in place. Secure a rag under them on the back of the door and liberally spray them with some cleaner. Keep in mind some cleaner may bleed through to the front and onto the paint, so have a rag in place on the outside too. Spray it and work it several times and then use silicone to lube the mechanism.

For the cleaner, I would WD40, spraying it thoroughly, blow dry with compressed air and lube.

[FatChance]

On mine, the latch comes right off after removing the 4 screws. Each time I have had the same problem you are having, it was a loose screw holding a pivot lever in the mechanism. I tightened the screw and gave it a shot of spray lube and it worked again like new.

[Wrapped]

Probably just the gasket on the outside sticking should push off with a little effort.

[veraken]

Here is a great lock lube

https://amazon.com/HOUD1-Houdini-Loc...s%2C264&sr=8-2