Entry Door - Latch Lubrication

[Just4Fun20]

Sorry Google and Youtube haven't help me with this so I thought I'd go to the experts... where I've had excellent luck.

I've a 2018 Aspire. We typically lock and unlock via the keypad. Recently, when we unlock, the mechanism doesn't always unlock the door. If it doesn't open in a couple of tries I push on the door a bit (to unload the latch) and it always seems to open.

I think this is just a clean and lube kind of thing. I'm not a fan of just shooting WE-40 or lithium grease at it and hoping I hit the right spot. Certainly I can lubricate the actual latch this way but likely won't get to the other parts. I can't detect any binding or tightness.

Does anyone know how to "open" the door latch area? I assume, from the inside, I take off the three screws on the plate with the door lock and door open/close handle on it. The problem is that both the door lock knob and the door handle would have to come off for the plate to slide off and I can't tell how to remove either.

Thanks for any guidance... either in removing the plate to gain access or other lubrication thoughts.

Be well.

[757driver]

Originally Posted by Just4Fun20

Sorry Google and Youtube haven't help me with this so I thought I'd go to the experts... where I've had excellent luck.

I've a 2018 Aspire. We typically lock and unlock via the keypad. Recently, when we unlock, the mechanism doesn't always unlock the door. If it doesn't open in a couple of tries I push on the door a bit (to unload the latch) and it always seems to open.

I think this is just a clean and lube kind of thing. I'm not a fan of just shooting WE-40 or lithium grease at it and hoping I hit the right spot. Certainly I can lubricate the actual latch this way but likely won't get to the other parts. I can't detect any binding or tightness.

Does anyone know how to "open" the door latch area? I assume, from the inside, I take off the three screws on the plate with the door lock and door open/close handle on it. The problem is that both the door lock knob and the door handle would have to come off for the plate to slide off and I can't tell how to remove either.

Thanks for any guidance... either in removing the plate to gain access or other lubrication thoughts.

Be well.

Not saying your lock and latch should not be lubricated but I do not think that is your problem.

If the electric lock does not move from using the keypad or the remote then polish up the two brass coloured buttons on the hinge side, that is the power for the lock. Unloading the latch on the striker bolt should not have anything to do with the electric solenoid moving. Also, if you can move your door inward when it is fully closed then your door is not adjusted properly and you may get wind noise while driving.

[Bobby Dowdle]

I would agree. Your actuator for the door lock is probably failing. I would have a tech take a look it for you. But you can spray wd-40 into the latch mechanism at the frame. Use the straw and spray inside as well.

[96 Wideglide]

Originally Posted by Bobby Dowdle

I would agree. Your actuator for the door lock is probably failing. I would have a tech take a look it for you. But you can spray wd-40 into the latch mechanism at the frame. Use the straw and spray inside as well.

Any reason you would use WD-40?

I'm sure there are better spray lubricant's where you work!

[bevandtomH]

If you don’t already, keep a set of tools inside your coach that can disassemble the door latch from the inside. Never know when you may get locked inside.

[Just4Fun20]

Thank you all for the assistance.

The problem seems to have been the two contacts on the hinge side of the door. I was told that the best way to clean them was with a big pencil eraser. I bought one at the local supermarket and cleaned the contacts. I've not had the problem since then and the mechanism sounds much more positive. I solid noise, not a weak one. I guess I'll keep the eraser nearby and clean the contacts periodically.

Thanks again.

[hedhunter9]

Our Mechanical door latch gets hard to close if not lubed occasionally.
I give it a shot of silicon spray and it works like a dream after.. The silicon spray doesnt attract dirt like WD-40.

Bob