2005 outback sticky door handles

[mikaleda]

Okay, I've got a customer with an ll bean edition H6 outback. They are constantly having issues with their doors. So far I've traced the problem To the outer door handle has a build up of gunk and rust on the inside pivot point which causes it to stick and keep the lock from acuating properly.

So far I've had little luck with the method I'm using lasting for long.

I've been cleaning the pivit point out with carb cleaner and then relubricating with wd40 silicone.

 

Anyone have any ideas, my next thought is to use straight silicone spray.

Edited March 15, 2016 by mikaleda

[1 Lucky Texan]

wd-40 is an OK solvent (mostly StoddardSolvent I think, you can read about it at wikipedia) , but a poor, short-lived lubricant.

 

silicone or perhaps something else (lithium ?) would better

[mikaleda]

wd-40 is an OK solvent (mostly StoddardSolvent I think, you can read about it at wikipedia) , but a poor, short-lived lubricant.

 

silicone or perhaps something else (lithium ?) would better

http://www.webstaurantstore.com/wd-40-specialist-11-oz-water-resistant-silicone-lubricant-spray-with-smart-straw-6-case/940300011.html?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GoogleShopping&gclid=CNHDqICDw8sCFVKDfgodBY0DQg

This is what I'm using it has a silicon lubricant.

 

I thought of lithium grease, but I'm worried about it catch dirt and stuff.

 

I think I'll try pure silicone spray next time.

[1 Lucky Texan]

ah - looks like a different product. Not sure how it differs from other silicone sprays.

[1 Lucky Texan]

looking at a MSDS for that product - there's very little lube in it (1% - 5%);

3 - Composition/Information on Ingredients
Ingredient CAS # Weight Percent US Hazcom 2012/ GHS
Classification
LVP Petroleum Solvent 64742-47-8 60-80 Aspiration Toxicity Category 1
Poly(dimethylsiloxane) 63148-62-9 1-5 Not Hazardous

http://www.wd40specialist.com/pdf/WD40SpecialistSilicone Lubricant-MSDS(6-24-11).pdf

 

http://www.wd40specialist.com/pdf/WD40SpecialistSilicone%20Lubricant-MSDS(6-24-11).pdf

Edited March 15, 2016 by 1 Lucky Texan

[DaveT]

Grease would stay there and protect against rust a lot longer. Synthetic grease won't thick a lot if it gets cold where you are. The rusting is the problem, as it tends to expand the metal and bind up in the hole.

[mikaleda]

I talked to my customer and we decided to replace the door handles with dorman replacements. The passenger side was replaced with one and its been working great ever since.

 

I was tired of messing with these damn door handles.

[mikaleda]

looking at a MSDS for that product - there's very little lube in it (1% - 5%);

 

3 - Composition/Information on Ingredients

Ingredient CAS # Weight Percent US Hazcom 2012/ GHS

Classification

LVP Petroleum Solvent 64742-47-8 60-80 Aspiration Toxicity Category 1

Poly(dimethylsiloxane) 63148-62-9 1-5 Not Hazardous

 

http://www.wd40specialist.com/pdf/WD40SpecialistSilicone Lubricant-MSDS(6-24-11).pdf

 

http://www.wd40specialist.com/pdf/WD40SpecialistSilicone%20Lubricant-MSDS(6-24-11).pdf

Good to know, I figured it was not a lot of silicone in it. Now I know, I bought a can of pure silicone spray.

[mikaleda]

 

Grease would stay there and protect against rust a lot longer. Synthetic grease won't thick a lot if it gets cold where you are. The rusting is the problem, as it tends to expand the metal and bind up in the hole.

Makes sense I think I'll coat the new handles with some white lithium grease to help stop the problem from happening again.

[dp213]

The only thing i think wd40 is good for is a cutting fluid when cutting or drilling metal.

[1 Lucky Texan]

The only thing i think wd40 is good for is a cutting fluid when cutting or drilling metal.

have used it for that a few times - works well.

 

It can work well to remove sticky adhesive residue from labels, etc. too. have to follow up with a household cleanser usually.

[mikaleda]

I use the wd40 specialist silicone for lubricating door locks mainly. Seems to work fairly well.

[Fairtax4me]

For future reference silicone is NOT a good lubricant for door handles and hinges. It dries quickly, and doesn't protect against rust

Lithium grease does. If you need to free up something rusty, use plain WD40 or some type of penetrating oil to loosen the parts, then follow with a shot of lithium spray grease to keep them lubricated long term.