Locks and re setting //matching

[MiniHaven]

Ok so how many of you have purchased a complete new lock set because you had one lock go wrong or damaged or even got fed up with several different keys for each door and boot ?
I know ive been there several times and thaught to my self "i wish one key did all of these locks" (a popular mini owners wish).

Here i will try and show you guys how to sort this typical problem out without having to pay between 45 and 75 quid for a set of new chineese locks `

I will show you how to set a boot lock first as this one is often the one which is diferent to the door key .

First you need to extract the lock from the boot lid by removing the four screws from the internal mechanism and then remove from the boot lid ,you will now see two 8mm nuts undoo these and remove the boot lock handle from the boot lid .
Remove the rubber sock from the handle then place into a vice with rubber jaws or cloth to prevent it from becomming damaged .
with a wire brush remove all the debris and rust from the working end of the lock



Then remove the circlip



then remove the thrust washers and then the outer collar



clean the barrel part up with brush and then tap out the pin with a small spike and a soft mallet or in my case a wire brush back as shown here



when the pin is exposed then remove by finger or if still a bit stiff pliers



now you should have handle/barrel collar pin ,cirlip and thrust washers



using any key or the key for the lock remove the locking barrel from its housing , this may be a bit tricky if you do not have the right key for it but a bit of wriggling and it will yield .



with barrel out now give it a clean with brush or some solvent .



carefully remove the key and this is what the levers should look like if they dont then it still needs a clean



now insert the key that fits your door locks and you will see a few levers standing proud of the barrel



now with key inserted place on slightly opened vice and gently file down the brass levers that are proud taking care not to file the alloy barrel .



when you are happy the levers are level with the barrel check the other side where the springs are if they are proud do the same with the key inserted too



now you have filed it to a smoothe feel clean it of all debris and filings with wire brush or blast of low pressure air if you have enough puff
then insert the barrel back into the lock and locate it to the cam inside by rotating it with the key inserted ,if it feels as if it is free of snagging then the job is a good'n. if not you may need to file a little more off one of the levers ,finally oil the levers and barrel and re insert into the lock



re insert the retaining pin using the wooden handle of the brush or a soft mallet



apply a little more oil



re assemble the lock ,place into the shroud and vice then thrust washers



then circlip (can be tricky but persivere)



give it a dose of oil



then put back into the boot lid and re assemble mechanical lock and thats it you have saved your self a hefty locksmith bill and you have saved your self a good few bucks on a complete lock set .job's a good'n.