Side Case Lock Assembly Lubrication

[YamahaCruiser]

Hey all,
Last August I got my new S10 and OEM side cases. I noticed the whole locking mechanism was total crap, even when pushing the lid down to unlock as you should. One of them wasn't even functioning properly. So, immediately I became familiar with the whole locking mechanism. The spring wasn't in place for the top lid catch. I had to reassemble it properly, NIB from the factory.
For the price tag, I was a little horrified at the build quality and materials. Basically, it's all plastic on plastic friction. The material seems to be ABS plastic. The mechanism is basically a cam system to disengage the locks which attach it to the bike and a tab that rotates the latch back so you can open the lid. Since it is winter, I decided the disassemble the lock assembly on both today. I used some synthetic silicone-based lube gel on all surfaces that moved and where the plastic on plastic movement happened. It's much smoother now. Still far from perfect, but I can't change what I had to work with. I have noticed, the mechanism doesn't like to go clockwise when the locking handles (that attach it to the bike) aren't locked down in place. Otherwise, it's a major improvement over how they came from Yamaha. Just thought I'd share.

 

[tomatocity]

Good attitude YC. Thanks for posting. No they are not the best lock that Yamaha could provide but it is what it is.

I was one of the early riders to have a problem with the side case lock(s) but I was lucky. While on a ride in the Sierra the screws vibrated loose and were held in place by the rubber cup. Was able to use the key to open the lid, removed the lock and did not completely close the lid for the next two days. Got home read the instructions. Realized the dealership should have used Blue Loctite. I went back to the dealership and showed them what had happened. They offered to fix it but I declined and left them with a copy of the instructions with Loctite highlighted in yellow. We have a good relationship so there was no harm done.

When the locks get stiff I clean and lightly lube them. As you mentioned "pushing down on the lid" always lets the locks function better.

 

[YamahaCruiser]

I took the advice from this group and did use locktite when installing the locks. I have no doubt, had I never touched that assembly again, those little bolts wouldn't have budged. After around 2k miles, they were still very snug with zero play. I'll report back after a full season with the bike. I will likely put on upwards of 7,000 miles this season, so that should be a good test.

 

[Gigitt]

For cheap insurance, place some gaffa/cloth tape over the outside of the lock.
it will keep the lock clean in dusty conditions.
it will keep the lock in the hole if the bolts come loose.

 

[Cycledude]

The only thing I can figure is Yamaha must have some kind of contract for about a billion of those very lousy locks or they would have switched to a better system years ago.

 

[tomatocity]

For cheap insurance, place some gaffa/cloth tape over the outside of the lock.
it will keep the lock clean in dusty conditions.
it will keep the lock in the hole if the bolts come loose.

Good suggestion. As for the screws coming loose... Blue Loctite will not fail you.

 

[YamahaCruiser]

Regarding lubing the locks. I've found that the CLP oil I use on my guns is amazing for all kinds of locks. I've noticed that after a wash, particularly, sometimes the ignition and seat locks feel a bit 'sticky'. Just enough to notice, really. I usually blast them with a hit of compressed air, then lube the key up real good and work the lock with it. Nature can teach us so much... ;D

 

[Cycledude]

Never heard of Gaffers tape before so had to look it up.
https://www.echotape.com/2014/10/28/duct-tape-vs-gaffers-tape-make-sure-youre-using-the-right-tool-for-the-job/

 

[Gigitt]

Never heard of Gaffers tape before so had to look it up.
https://www.echotape.com/2014/10/28/duct-tape-vs-gaffers-tape-make-sure-youre-using-the-right-tool-for-the-job/

Duct tape is the most confused interchanged name for cloth/gaffer tape.
You DONT want duct tape.
A lot of cheap duct tape uses cheap adhesive like cheap electrical tape, after a while is softens and leaches out the glue and every thing gets sticky.... yuk!

cloth/gaffer tape... I keep a small roll on the bike. saved my other 2 panier locks locks

 

[scott123007]

Short of hacking this thread from a side case lock tutorial into a tape thread, after reading Echotape's comparo of Duct vs Gaffers, I'm left wondering if "their" two tapes have the distinct differences they mention. I've been using Duct tape for over 45 years and have NEVER been able to stretch it and have ALWAYS been able to tear it. Just sayin'...