MCMLXIX

After removing my door lock mechanism to change the outer door handle I want to clean and lube it before reinstalling it. It looks like it was it was down next to the oil pan instead of in the door. It is covered with a thick layer of black crud that I am worried will get washed into it and gum it up. What is the best way to clean it? What should it be lubed with afterwards? What kind of lube should be used on the window chanels?
Thanks

markdtn

I waited until my wife was away and soaked it in mineral spirits for a few days then cleaned it best I could with a toothbrush. After that I put it in the dishwasher on extra hot scrubber with extra soap. Looks and works great. I lubed it with white grease.

mapman

I used diesel to clean - soaked it for about a week. White lithium grease. Works great.

MCMLXIX

I cleaned up the outside pretty well with some rags and am tempted to run it though the parts washer or just spray it down with brake cleaner can't decide which or nether. I am concerned about getting the new lube back into all the numerous shafts and pivots afterwords without being able to take it apart. I would rather have the grease that is still in there than none or just some that is dilluted with solvent.
My window now works great after reataching the hardware that was laying in the bottom of the door but the tracks are dry. Is it better to lube up the tracks or leave them alone. Wondering if the grease will atract more dirt and do more harm than good.

stickboy

Get a can of White Lithium grease, I used this on my door locks and window hardware. Works great. :cheers:

gliot1

For locks you generally want to use lock graphite oil. You can buy it almost anywhere. It comes in a dark blue can. to lube a lock in place, stick the key half way in, and put a few drops on the top of the key, then run it in an out and turn the lock. My '78 was so stiff I thought the key might break. Ran the lock oil, and it turns like barnd new. Don't use WD-40 or the like. It will actually dissolve any oil in the tumblers.