Alko Secure wheel lock - struggling

[Tim2]

Hi Folks

We've just acquired a 2006 Bailey Senator Arizona. After our first trip out last week we are generally VERY PLEASED with our new 'van.

One small problem we have not solved, however, is locking/unlocking the fitted Alko Secure wheel lock. Although I have given it several sprays with W40 once the lock barrel is fitted into the lock it is very difficult to lock/unlock it. It is possible to do it but several times my wife has had to hold the lock barrel on its grooved end with a screwdriver whilst I turn the key. Even then it is very stiff. The lock turns relatively easily when the barrel is removed from the lock!!

Am I missing something here??

I did ask about the price of a replacement barrel from the Alko helpline but they quoted £45 for lock barrel and keys!!!

All suggestions very welcome

Tim

 

[rob_jax]

Hi,

WD40 is not a lubricant in the true sense of the word, it's actually paraffin in a spray can.

You'd be much better served by using a real lubricant like "White Lithium spray grease" - this is a good quality lubricant carried in a volatile solvent - so it sprays on easy, the solvent evaporates, leaving a good quality of protection behind. And it's the right lubricant to use on most things around the caravan - like steadies, AL-KO coupling lock, etc.

Probably the first thing to do is drop the lock body into a tin can part filled with clean engine oil, agitate to make sure the oil gets everywhere, allow to sit for a few minutes, then remove and allow surplus oil to drip into the can (overnight).

Next morning, wipe with a rag and try it on the caravan then lightly spray with the white lithium grease.

Robert

 

[GeorgeB]

Robert,

Sorry, but you should NEVER lubricate a lock mechanism with any form of grease or WD40 derivative, locks should only be lubricated with the correct grafite lubricant, ask any locksmith.

The reason is that grease or simular types of lubricant/freeing agents atract & retain dust & dirt & so clogs the mechanism, grafite does'nt.

 

[rob_jax]

Hi George,

Your recommendation for using graphite as a lubricant is correct but ONLY when the lock is in a dry environment - wet is different.

Graphite offers no protection against water, rust formation and other corrosion. The recommendation for locks fitted "out in the open" and consequently immersed in rain water is to lubricate them with a lubricant that dries into a protective, corrosion preventing film - such as White Lithium grease.

And as you say, even though this lubricant "dries", it will still pick up dirt and need to be oil washed on a regular basis (twice a year for us)

If you check the instructions on the drill proof steel locks used with Sold Secure caravan locks, which will rust or corrode when immersed in water, you'll see that they recommend oiling the lock body on a regular basis

Robert

 

[Stevel]

Have you checked the groove within the red body? It must be very clean. The ball bearings of the lock barrel ride within this groove so that the barrel revolves when locked.If as you say the lock appears to work OK outside of the body then I suggest this is where the problem lies.