What is best lubricant for door and "ignition" locks? Silicone spray? TIA

WD-40 works fine for me, especially in freezing weather. It displaces water as well as lubricates.

two words
 

"powdered graphite"
Jim
'95 E320
'97 CRV

graphite it is, graphited fluid is a bit easier to apply than the power and just as efficient for my money.

What type of problems are you having with your locks? Is it the ignition? I had a problem getting my key in the ignition, but the door locks worked fine. My friends told me to lubricate the lock with WD40 or something. As it turned out, the guts of the ignition had broken into pieces in there and I had to have the entire mechanism replaced. Luckily, I got the key in there (it took about 20 - 30 minutes) and drove it to the dealership. They said that it was a good thing that I was able to get the key in there, otherwise it would have had to be drilled out. That could get expensive. Nevermind the tow bill. I don't mean to scare you with a near-horror story, I just get nervous when the key doesn't want to go in the slot.

DEPRIEST, 'no prob. with my master ("ignition" switch) - it was replaced several months ago when it began to "give trouble". I'm replacing door handles in next couple of days because of loss of chrome on exterioir; I'll have the tumbler assemlies out during the replacement; 'just want to clean & lube them properly. Also want to keep the master switch properly lubed. I have been lucky enough so far to have had master switches replaced on 3 MB's before they got to the drill & hack saw stage. Therefore, it's improtant to keep them properly lubed. Meanwhile, I'm using spray silicone; anything better? Maybe, graphite? Thanks for replies.

OK, but what does MB recommend?
 

My key is hanging up in the cylinder; I did a search and found this topic but the REAL answer is not here. What is the OFFICIAL LUBRICANT of MB regarding the lock cylinders? Graphite or petroleum (e.g. WD-40)? Anyone know what MB recommends?

-Tom

I was told by a locksmith to stay away from liquid lubricants (such as WD-40) since they tend to attract and trap foreign contaminants like dust and dirt. I realize that this may or may not be MB's official stance, but it makes pretty good sense.

- Nathan
'83 240D "Steiner"
'00 New Beetle TDI

Dry graphite is best and what experienced/knowledgable locksmiths use (and have far more experience with locks than a MB technician). I've used graphite for years with no failures. However, why don't you call your local MB service dept. and ask what they recommend so we will all know.

Good luck.

Tom

WD-40 isn't really a lubricant, its more of a solvent, so all it does is clean which isn't really that bad. Someone in our machine shop suggested teflon, which I've been using since a close call with my ignition switch. I also use it on my antenna.

I think lock lubrication should be part of the scheduled maintance.

my master key has difficulty getting in my
driver's doorlock despite all lubrication.
any ideas?

Clean the key
 

I've noticed my key, cause of the design, has "entrapment" areas (just used that term at work) that could affect it if they get filled with stuff. I semi-regularly clean out the depressions, edges, and corners.

OE STUFF
 

Try the mercedes benz lock lube it works great!it fits right into the lock tumbler its a cleaner/lube anti freeze also good luck mark

Have anybody used this "graphite" at wintertime or is this only for warmer climates ?
When i repaired my orginal alarmswitch lock cylinder (new 300$)
i took out some of the lockpieces that were bent inside.
I have been very carefull with my locks since then.
Somebody told me that he used "gun oil" for his locks.
Maybe that would keep the thiefs away.

Pelle
300E 4M -89

Mark, thanks for the info. Does the lubricant stick say what the contents/chemicals are?

Pelle, graphite works in low temps as well as high. The lowest temp I've actually used graphite in was about 0 to -5 degrees F.

Tom