16v rear door locks

[revbond]

Both rear door locks on my 1987 16v are malfunctioning: they do not lock consistently when I lock the front drivers-side door. Most of the time, I have to push the locking "pins" down manually. Both doors automatically unlock OK when I unlock the drivers-side front door.

Anyone have any suggestions as to the fault? I would guess a part common to both rear doors ( a vacuum something or other?) since they exhibit the same problem at the same time.

Thanks

John

[mbdoc]

Many times it is the vacuum elements that leak. Also there was a service info on changing the lines & connections, best way to find out is to remove door panel & "t" into vacuum/pressure connection at door locking element(diaphram).

[MikeTangas]

My guess is that the top diaphram on the actuator in both doors has failed from age. The upper diaphram (if similar to the diaphrams in the 108) is the one responsible for drawing down the locks. The lower diaphram pushes the locks up.

If you pull the door panels and take a look at the diaphrams, you will probably find the rubber brittle and cracked.

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Mike Tangas
73 280 SEL 4.5