P80 door latch actuator internal lube?

Post by **scot850** » 24 Apr 2022, 16:16

I am in the process of swapping the failing thermo-resistor with copper wire. Motor fires up fine with a 9V battery.

Before I glue the case cover back on, I see what looks like petroleum jelly or the likes in the area of the center of the white plastic cogs. What can I use and how much should I use. Can I use lithium or silicon grease?

Thanks,

Neil.

patcal · Post by **patcal** » 24 Apr 2022, 18:31

scot850 wrote: ↑24 Apr 2022, 16:16 I am in the process of swapping the failing thermo-resistor with copper wire. Motor fires up fine with a 9V battery.

Before I glue the case cover back on, I see what looks like petroleum jelly or the likes in the area of the center of the white plastic cogs. What can I use and how much should I use. Can I use lithium or silicon grease?

Thanks,

Neil.

A dab of either would work well. If you already have the silicone use that but I have never had problems with white lithium grease. Curious, do you have any pictures of your motor repair? I have to do this to 3 of my door locks on my 98 S70.

Post by **scot850** » 24 Apr 2022, 19:01

I did not but then there are a couple of good YouTube how-to's including from our good MVS friend Robert Spinner:

The next one shows a bit more detail with more information on the motor part itself

Hope this helps!

Also check the other thread I have open on the possible replacement motors or even the thermo-resistors that come with end caps. I would take the resistor out the end cap and throw it away and try it on your own motors. The motors themselves seldom fail, it is almost always the resistors.

Neil.

Post by **scot850** » 25 Apr 2022, 12:13

I looked up on plastic or nylon gears and grease. They say not to use Lithium or petroleum grease on plastic and nylon gears as it makes them swell and degrades the material. Silicon or high temperature white grease (?) are recommended, although the general understanding is the nylon is self lubricating so does not need grease, with the exception if they have shafts they rotate on.

Why is nothing simple! LoL!

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 26 Apr 2022, 03:38

Get some silicone grease at the plumbing section of your local home store. Often used on valve seats there

454cid · Post by **454cid** » 26 Apr 2022, 06:27

abscate wrote: ↑26 Apr 2022, 03:38 Get some silicone grease at the plumbing section of your local home store. Often used on valve seats there

Permatex Dielectric "Tune Up Grease" is silicone, too, as is AGS Silglyde.

I've also seen it in little packets at the checkout at Orielly Auto.... from Versachem, I think. Probably for a 1$, so maybe more now that prices are up.... maybe Canadian Tire/Princes Auto do the same?

Post by **scot850** » 26 Apr 2022, 13:59

I actually found a small tube of silicon grease as used by plumbers for 'O' ring greasing or cassette installs on tap units. It is ideal for all I need for the job.

I put a small amount on the brass worm drive and either end of the shaft where it sits in the plastic housing, as well as removing the upper drive wheel and putting a little grease on the shaft and re-fitting it.

Re-fitted the cap after pre-cleaning the case where the 'hat' and the case meet with rubbing alcohol and then used 4 or 5 small dabs of super-glue to hold the 2 parts together. Clamped with plastic spring clamps to hold together.

Finally cleaned around the join and and sealed with silicon.

I did not want to use too much glue in case I have to re-open the casing.

I re-installed as per Roberts video and tested the outer latch as suggested. All was good so connected the battery and tested with the fob. All seems good!

I will decide if I will remove and fit one of the motors I have on order which have the built in protection.

Neil.