Slow power locks

[chevyman98]

My 1992 k2500 has slow most time non functional locks the passanger will work if you press lock a couple times or hold it but driver had to be manually locked and unlocked. Any input to fix it is it just old actuators?

 

[michael hurd]

Actuators will be fine. The grease in the door latch mechanism has long since turned into a heavy wax and collected dust. The fix is to clean out the latches and lubricate them. This can be done many ways, but the easiest / cheapest fix is to hose the latch mechanism with a can of brake clean and spray it with a lubricant that disperses well.

When I work on trucks this old, I end up taking the door apart, and removing the latch to wash it out in solvents, and replace it if it's worn after a thorough cleaning. Lubricate and install.

YMMV, but most of the time this is the best way, as it's impossible to get the latch perfectly clean without removal. An old toothbrush or stiff bristle parts cleaning brush works best to assist cleaning in solvent.

 

[michael hurd]

New latch mechanisms are available from the Stealer: aftermarket ones aren't as good from experience. I have had new aftermarket ones with holes that were tapped too large, and 2 out of 3 bolts would not stay tight. ( someone else bought these for me to put in their truck ) I ended up using Loctite to keep them in, with the one doing most of the work.

 

[someotherguy]

More likely the grease on the plastic slider clips on the inner door skin. The actuator rod slides through the clip, the old grease drags it down making it difficult to operate. I've had them get so bad you could about break the key off in the tumbler. A little cleaning with brake parts cleaner on a paper towel, then lightly grease with some white lithium, working like a champ again.

Richard

 

[oohunter04oo]

Well I wish I would have ask this question before I spent $60 on a new door lock actuator. I haven't changed it yet, guess I can return it if I don't need it.

 

[sewlow]

All great advice!
Spray some contact cleaner into the switch itself, too.

 

[chevyman98]

Thanks I'll give it a shot