ENTRY DOOR DEADBOLT BECOMING DIFFICULT TO OPERATE

[jackel1959]

The deadbolt on our entry door has become difficult to operate. I have lubricated the keyhole with WD-40 and it helped somewhat, but I still need to "jiggle" the key around to get it to turn in order to lock or unlock it. It almost acts like it is not the proper key, but I know it is. I have tried 2 other keys with the same results. Can the entire assembly be removed from the door and the lock set tightened up or something? I'm thinking something may have loosened up on the lock set itself. We have always only used the deadbolt and never lock the handle lock and I checked it and that one is working fine. Any advice or suggestions, as always, are appreciated.
Jack

[awaywego]

Try spraying the WD 40 in through the lock on the edge of the door. Hold the lock (not the deadbolt) in and spray in the hole this will lubricate the internal parts. Also check that the screws on the inside of the door that hold the lock are not loose.

This has worked for me,

[camper4]

If you had extra keys made, try an original to see if that works better.

Screws on the inside of the door will let you remove the lockset and gain access to the mechanism. If you find nothing to repair or lube, buy a new one and move on.

[DarMar]

We have had this problem on our 2010 3455 as well. We used graphite to lubricate the key lock and it worked well for us. Never had to do this on either of our previous two Montanas, but it's like you say it seemed as if the key wasn't just right.

[BB_TX]

We got locked in our trailer a couple years ago because we could not undo the deadbolt. Turned out the screws on the inside plate were loose and let the locking lever jump out of the latching mechanism.
I took the screws out and had access to all the internal area. Used a screwdriver to unlatch it. I lubed the internals and put it back together correctly and have had no more problems with it.
Guess I need to check those screws again.

[Exnavydiver]

Make sure the inside screws are tight, my lock started to give me fits right after I got the rig and I discovered that the inside screws were loose and after cleaning and lubing the lock I tightened the screws and and have never had the problem since... Dave

[jackel1959]

Thank you all for your inputs.
1. I have re-lubed everything.
2. I have tried both of the original keys plus one that I had made.
3. I have checked the 2 screws inside the lock housing and they are tight.
All of the above have had no positive impact. I may have found the problem though...when I removed the inside plate to gain access to the mechanism a sticker fell out that said, you guessed it, "MADE IN CHINA". I will just end up getting a whole new unit as camper4 suggested.

[jimcol]

Is it tight when you operate it with the inside lever? If so we had the same issue. After tightening all the screws we cleaned the actual deadbolt with alcohol then lubricated it with WD-40. Worked it in and out with the lever a few times. Seems to have done the trick as it now operates easily with the key. Jim

[jackel1959]

quote:Originally posted by jimcol

Is it tight when you operate it with the inside lever? If so we had the same issue. After tightening all the screws we cleaned the actual deadbolt with alcohol then lubricated it with WD-40. Worked it in and out with the lever a few times. Seems to have done the trick as it now operates easily with the key. Jim

The inside lever operates very smooth and effortlessly.
Jack

[MikeM]

FYI - WD40 is not a lubricant and was never intended to be. A much better solution is any spray silicone or graphite based spray.

[CORattler]

I agree with you about using silicone or a graphite based lubricant in this situation, I think that WD-40 would be unhappy to find out that they are not a lubricant. Go to: http://www.wd40.com/faqs/#a97

quote:Originally posted by MikeM

FYI - WD40 is not a lubricant and was never intended to be. A much better solution is any spray silicone or graphite based spray.

[Rondo]

I agree with Jay and Mike on the WD-40 usage! I never use WD-40 on locks because it will collect dirt and dust and then gum up the works! I also use silicone and before using it I use a little carb cleaner spray to clean the mechanism, let it dry, then spray the silicone spray into the mechanism, on the slide, and into the keyhole. It will keep the lock from collecting dirt and also keeps it from collecting water too. In the winter it wouldn't freeze on you then either!

[steves]

I had the same problem and my dead bolt broke in the locked position. Had to get access via the basement and laundry opening. Suggest you just replace the lock set - easy to do.

[ols1932]

If you check with a locksmith, they (most of them) will tell you not to use WD-40 or any other "oily" substance. Buy a tube of graphite powder and squirt a little in the lock. I've done that for more years than I care to count and the locks always work. Every RV we've owned got the "graphite treatment."

Orv

[exav8tr]

I can't remember the last time we actually used the deadbolt, guess I should check it before I need it someday. I know, I'm probably a little too trusting of people.....