SL500 R230 boot lock removal

[malcdg]

Hi, Does anyone know how to remove the boot lock assembly on an R230 model SL500?
The manual key lock on mine is so stiff I have to use pliers to turn it and it doesn't move the little cam to engage the boot latch handle anyway. Had to break the high level brake light to open the boot (usual PSE probs).
I'd like to remove the whole boot lock assembly so I can get it loosened up and lubricated.
I have removed the boot lid trim and the latch mechanism, and unbolted the motor that moves the elephant ears when the roof goes down.
I have undone the nuts either side of the lock assembly and can see the external trim around the lock and numberplate lights flex when I push down on them, ......but now I'm stuck,... can't see what to do next and don't want to break anything.

 

[wiz]

I just had this exact same problem and managed to solve it so I thought I'd share.

Firstly, buy some PTFE dry lube, there is a very good one called Profi dry lube, search the net and it's easy to mail order. It comes with a small tube like WD40 does, you can hold open the key slot with a small screw-driver and squirt it directly into the lock.

Give the lock a good work out, then you'll need to release the mechanism which engages the lock to the handle. Very often these are stuck so that even when you pull the handle, the boot won't open.

To unstick the lock so that the hangle engages and open the boot, you need to use vibration. Try holding the key in the open position, then repeatedly pull the release handle up and let it "ping" back again. The thud of the handle returning was enough in my case to release the mech and after a few goes, I felt the catch fall into place so the handle opened the boot (trunk).

If that isn't enough, try to find some way of vibrating panel fast whilst holding the key in the "open" position. Maybe an obital sander might work if you placed several layers of polishing cloth on the panel to protected it and then pressed the sander onto the cloth. Or maybe ask your wife/girlfriend if she has anything you can borrow which vibrates violently .

HTH

 

[wiz]

P.S., If you really want to take the lock-mech out, here are some diagrams, but it'd be better to do what I said above IMHO.

 

[bostonmj]

Wiz

Where did you manage to find such details,

Martyn

 

[bostonmj]

I just had this exact same problem and managed to solve it so I thought I'd share.

Firstly, buy some PTFE dry lube, there is a very good one called Profi dry lube, search the net and it's easy to mail order. It comes with a small tube like WD40 does, you can hold open the key slot with a small screw-driver and squirt it directly into the lock.

Give the lock a good work out, then you'll need to release the mechanism which engages the lock to the handle. Very often these are stuck so that even when you pull the handle, the boot won't open.

To unstick the lock so that the hangle engages and open the boot, you need to use vibration. Try holding the key in the open position, then repeatedly pull the release handle up and let it "ping" back again. The thud of the handle returning was enough in my case to release the mech and after a few goes, I felt the catch fall into place so the handle opened the boot (trunk).

If that isn't enough, try to find some way of vibrating panel fast whilst holding the key in the "open" position. Maybe an obital sander might work if you placed several layers of polishing cloth on the panel to protected it and then pressed the sander onto the cloth. Or maybe ask your wife/girlfriend if she has anything you can borrow which vibrates violently .

HTH

Whats the difference between Dry PTFE spray and Silicone PTFE lube spary. The RS website description for Silicone PTFE suggests it better!

 

[malcdg]

Hi Wiz,

Thanks very much for the details and excellent diagrams and pictures, I'll get some of the PTFE Dry Lube and give that a good try first, less chance of breaking stuff that way.

Cheers, Malc

P.S. Sorry I didn't reply sooner, I was away last week.

 

[bostonmj]

Hi Wiz,

Thanks very much for the details and excellent diagrams and pictures, I'll get some of the PTFE Dry Lube and give that a good try first, less chance of breaking stuff that way.

Cheers, Malc

P.S. Sorry I didn't reply sooner, I was away last week.

I got some Dry PTFE from Halfords (£6) and squared away my barrel lock and trunk lid handle last Friday, Great job

Martyn

 

[beatcar]

This is really handy as my boot lock had frozen up and local garage said it would cost me quite a lot if they did it. So just going to try myself this weekend.