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Rekeying a car? (ok to close!)
Peff
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
So my car (95 Maxima) has been getting harder and harder to unlock and I'm wondering if I shouldn't just get it rekeyed. Both driver and passenger side are having the same issue, even with a new key. Has anyone done this and how labor intensive/crazy hard is it? Anyone paid to have it done? If so, any idea on a ballpark estimate? I have a few emails out to local locksmiths but I was kind of hoping to prepare myself for a large bill.
Peff on
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Don't use WD40 for lubricating as it isn't truly a lubricant. Try something like this for sticking locks.
It would help if you knew whether it was the lock or the key. Does it still works fine in the ignition? And see if all keys work the same.
The first estimate came back at 250 and change. If it comes to it, I may try and do it myself. I'm fairly mechanically inclined (I've replaced head gaskets, stereos, speakers, can change my own oil, etc. ) I'll report back on the lubricant this evening.
Automotive locks use grease as a lubricant by default, most of the time graphite will do nothing but turn that grease dark. Most of the time you end up with it full of road dust/diecast shavings (from the wafers gouging chunks of the cylinder out as the key wears). (Also, as above, WD-40 is not a lubricant, it's just slippery while it's wet.)
On top of Kipling's questions, by "new key" do you mean "a copy I got cut from my old worn out key" or a key cut to code (i.e. back to original heights)? If you can put the key into the lock and move the head up the key up and down as well as in and out, replace them. If you can't, then chances are it's the key that's the problem. Keys are usually brass or nickel, the locks are usually diecast aluminium with nickel or brass wafers, the harder key chews up the bullet wards on the barrel, letting the key flop about.
I've changed stupid amounts of car door locks (I'm a locksmith), some are ridiculously easy to get out (with correct tools/knowing what you're doing) and some take hours even knowing what you should be doing. I don't know the Maxima, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was in the easier end of the scale.
Steam
Thanks for all the replies and ideas. We're good to close!