trunk lock lubrication/cleaning

[jabstick420]

does anybody have a good resource for removing the trunk lock and cleaning/lubricating the mechanism.

it works fine, but starting to get a little rusty where the trunk latches in

[Demothen]

What model are you working on? If it's a w123 (Edit: just noticed your signature, whoops) with the alarm, would you you mind grabbing some pictures before you take it apart too far? I have some wired together stuff in mine, I suspect it's the alarm's locking system.

[red55b]

lube lube lube Mercedes of age need lube lube lube!clean out all area around the trunk seal area no leaves dirt etc water runs off from top down to rear trunk if area dirty gets clogged causes rust and dampness

[jabstick420]

any specific lube for this job..?

I know MB makes a special sunroof lube, but do they have anything for locks and hinges n'stuff?

[rocky raccoon]

A Teflon-based lubricant available at any locksmith and some big-box hardware stores. You can use graphite but only sparingly. Teflon is your best bet. You may clean first using brake cleaner. Spray liberally and let it dry before lubing.

Do Not use WD-40 or oil of any kind including gun oil. Grit, metal particles from the key and temperature changes will cause oil to gum.

[unkl300d]

A new twist to this thread.
Today I met a guy at pik n pull Oaklnad who had a 300sd with a defective trunk lock.
His car's lock does not depress all the way after turning the key.
Therefore he can't open the trunk.

I was trying to help him figure it out.
He had disassembled a junk car's 300sd trunk lock in order to get insight.
I hypothesized that the lock (cylinder) had some pin inside that may be broken and therefore not allowing the cylinder to be pushed inward to disengage the lock latch.

So what's inside of these trunk locks (cylinders) and what part allows the cylinder to engage the thrust bolt that pushed the trunk latch back so it opens????


I recommended the mechanic David Pham in Oakland.1.510.813.2456

The junk yard 300SD's trunk cylinder was one solid piece. It did not seem friendly to dissection.

thanks

[vstech]

Subscribed...

My sd trunk will not open.

[Clemson88]

I'm also following this thread. My lock only opens with the key inserted and turned CCW before pushing the button in. Sometimes it takes two hands to open it. One to handle the key and the other to pull up the lid.

[rocky raccoon]

Clemson, I think this is semi-normal. Check your trunk lid springs. They should "pop" the lid when the key is turned.

[tyl604]

Correct; when it unlocks it pops up a bit. Never realized that the MB engineers thought this one out. Cudos to them again.

[vstech]

My button does not operate the lock no matter where the key is turned.

[SD Blue]

If the factory alarm has engaged the trunk lock, turning the key or emergency release cable will have no effect.

One method is to reattach the alarm system controller, under the front passenger floor, and then go through the normal unlocking from the driver's door.

You can also ground pin 4 at the controller to cycle the trunk lock.

For both of these methods, you will need power at F15.

There is also an 8-conductor connector, on some models, that needs to be connected behind the instrument panel.

http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/outside/12253/program/Chassis/82-0980.pdf

[vstech]

Mine is a basic 84... no alarm to my knowledge

[rocky raccoon]

vstech: Does the lock button depress when pushed? Had similar problem with my '83. Try flooding the lock with brake cleaner through the key slot to clean the mechanism and working tirelessly with the key and button. A squirt or two with teflon-based lube will help after cleaning. In my case it eventually worked.

[SD Blue]

Originally Posted by vstech

Mine is a basic 84... no alarm to my knowledge

Have you tried the emergency release cable, under the rear seat? It requires simultaneous pressing of the trunk release button and pulling the cable.

(The easiest way to tell if the alarm has engaged the lock, is the button only pushes in about half way.)