Re-building door lock cylinders, tumbler design

[boy412]

I have already re-built one of my door lock cylinders. It was pretty straightforward, but now I am going to use the "old" door lock to figure out the tumbler sequence so it matches my ignition and trunk.

There seems to be two "styles" of tumblers and I'm wondering if there is any appreciable difference? Switching between the two does not have any effect on how the lock works, but there has to be some reason they are so different. Here's a photo showing a #2 and #3 tumbler and the difference I'm talking about.



I've actually got the sequence figured out so my ignition key (VIN cut) works but I'd like to know if there is any difference in these tumbler designs. Anyone know?

[spdracrm3]

i think the smaller upper ones go at one end on the drivers door lock for the deadbolt portion of the tumbler

[boy412]

i think the smaller upper ones go at one end on the drivers door lock for the deadbolt portion of the tumbler

That seems totally plausible. Any idea what end of the cylinder and how many are of this smaller type?

Thanks for the post...

[boy412]

OK...did some poking around on the Interwebs and found this photo, which seems to indicate there are four of these smaller tumblers used, and they are all on the side opposite the keyhole:



Another photo from this same site which shows the tumblers in the order they were removed from the cylinder. You can see two of the smaller tumblers used on each side:



And interestingly enough there are two part numbers for door lock rebuild kits. One for the driver's side door and one for the passenger side. I never saw two different kits offered at Pelican so I can only assume that the driver's side kit has a separate baggie of the "deadbolt" type tumblers.

Also found this page helpful.

[jeffnhiscars]

Ive done a few door locks and I believe the modified tumblers are what allows the valet key to work in only the drivers door and ignition switch.

[DrLeadFoot]

Thanks for posting this! I've been putting this off for awhile but doesn't seem that difficult.

[nando]

I'm watching this because I bought a door lock rebuild kit 4 years ago and still haven't used it.

some dickbag tried to break into my car with a screwdriver and messed up the lock. it worked perfectly until then.. I just use my keyless as I'm afraid of breaking my key off in the door, it still works but it's very hard to turn. :(

[boy412]

Ive done a few door locks and I believe the modified tumblers are what allows the valet key to work in only the drivers door and ignition switch.

The valet key actually does not physically fit in the trunk or glove box locks. There is a ridge on the key that is ground down on the master key. I've just recent learned that these "different" tumblers are in fact for the deadbolt (also called double lock) on the driver's side.

This repair is not that difficult and rewarding when done. Just work in a well lit space and keep everything organized.

:)

[mrgraphics]

Nando - rebuilt my lock and it was really hard to turn. It felt like I'd break the key off. My door also was hard to close. I lubricated the latch mechanism with spray white lithium grease (the area in the door that hooks onto the body to keep the door closed.) Suddenly my lock is silky smooth and super easy to lock/unlock. Might want to give that a try - things might just be dried out.