Pannier Locks Have Stiffened - What's the Cure?

[Mtbjay]

After a year on the bike, the locking mechanisms have become quite stiff to turn on the OEM pannier set. To install the cores, I had to borrow this tiny "security-type" star nut tool from my machinist neighbor. I recall most of the mechanism was plastic (Really, I thought, on $1,000 panniers?). I had to re-adjust these itty-bitty installation screws (that connected the cores to the inside wall of the panniers) by backing them out a bit. This seemed to relieve some initial stiffness when they were new. The size of the screws, and their minimal thread depth and was so tiny I was concerned they'd snap-off or back out. So, I put a dab of lock-tite on the threads.

They loosened up a little at first, but then gradually stiffened-up over time. I have tried introduced various lubricants to the locking mechanism (without disassembly), but had little success in loosening the action on the mechanism. Because they've become so hard to turn, I now use a more robust after-market key, AND carry a spare key in my wallet for fear of a key snapping off in the locks!

I wonder what's going on in there? Perhaps I need to borrow the tools again and simply back out the assembly screws more? Any others here find a fix? Is there a more robust replacement available? They seem like the achilles heel of the pannier set....

 

[rlasater]

Those locks do suck.

Sent from my darn phone using my fingers

 

[djm_ct]

When you say you indroduced "various lubricants" to the locks you may have done more harm than good. Did you use liquid lubricants, like some type of oil?

Oil should never be used on locks. It attracts dirt and grit that, over time, gum up and wear away at the internal lock mechenisms. Instead, use a dry lubricand like graphite.

If you did use oil, I would suggest you remove the locks, and rinse them in some type of solvent to remove the oil, then dry them thouroughly. Then lubricate withsome graphite powder.l

 

[tomatocity]

To save yourself time and trouble, go to Harbor Freight, Dollar store, or swap meet and buy an inexpensive ($5) set of security star tools or replace the bolts. I know what happens when these bolts back out during a long trip. I was lucky and the lock did not fall out. Just saying.

I have loosened the those bolts but they only improve the movement so much. Remove the parts and clean them. Lubricants concern me since they can collect dirt and such but if it works it works.

I carry a spare key in the seat lock. Would like to find a stubby key that would withstand the twisting better.