Sticky locks

[ceningolmo]

Just in the last few days my key seems to be a little sticky. It was getting difficult to turn the key in my drivers side door while locking or unlocking. Also, the little "key release" button on the steering column wants to stick.

I sprayed a little WD40 in lock cylinder on the drivers side door and that seems to have cured the problem entirely. Door lock operates smoothely now, and the "key release" button works better.

My question is whether WD40 will do any damage to the lockign mechanism. I used WD40 to lube a lock and bolt on the door at my work one time. I eventually had to bring in a lock smith to repair the lock... he told me that WD40 will brake down the metal inside a lock cylinder. Is this only on locks with brass internals? Does this apply to automobile locks?

[CrimsonQ]

I used a graphite powder. But i may be wrong with that, seems to work though.

[Rex]

Are you using the factory key or an aftermarket copy?

I have an aftermarket copy for emergency/backup and find it wears much more with much less use than the original "big nasty" key.

[ceningolmo]

I don't know for certain, but I would guess it is a replacement.

This one looks cheap and pretty lame... I would be pretty disappointed if this is the quality of key that infiniti provided.

I have seen some of the nice all metal keys on ebay, and those are affordable. But, I have heard that having it cut can cost $50? Damn... I don't want to do that.

[Rex]

If you replace it, and I think you should, the only one I think is really worth it is from the dealer at ~$107. All the ones I've ever seen on ebay are cheapo's with pics taken in such a manner that the flash hides the cheapness .

I know $107 sounds like alot, but replacing all the locks or the ignition itself is more $$$.

[ceningolmo]

Would the dealership have to take a copy of the key pattern off of my current key? If so, I am unsure that my current key would give them a good enough copy. A ragged copy only makes ragged copies... unless I am wrong?!?

[Rex]

They cut it from the VIN, it might even be worth checking to see if Joe can save enough to have him do it and ship with some other parts order.