Alu panniers - lock cleaning

[grantmac]

maybe a dumb question but my panniers get covered in crap when on a trip away. I wash them and the bike upon return but I have found the locks get a bit ''scratchy'' or stiff with all the crap. I realize they have a lock flap which should protect theme. I was always told NOT to use WD40 as this simply puts liquid into the lock and encourages grittyness etc to get worse. Any tips?

 

[DJ123]

Graphite grease/powder is usually the best for keeping locks smooth and reducing wear on the barrel & components.

 

[Bigcats]

You can actually buy on amazon a graphite grease device that is specifically for locks

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SecureTM-Graphite-Lubricant-Security-Cylinder/dp/B0C2J87GNP/ref=sr_1_8?crid=MPFVAJYKDZNO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Dl8xrNz_xvwRujd2l093sMKg5d0Dl-kt7WKC6nzt9wgO2xind8BA-Vuw5RAU7KPwkkuMzxsITiL5Fir5T7kw84FYsv9I_izTX6vLsqeXuEzf4OY9GdmtZFSaTa3IYU9LEsgUp4ZhuTzcTQhhpc0PJhpk73y0UYE2L7cBnqVfBaZik8_6x77n3q3Vl6wn4Bg8yawuE6qdE-0psyyPYx3YHd-bV2l3ogs7VMAF8KU9xKowf3twSSgKblq5Amz9Hlh48xoKc7D0xOYk-PT73vR3plQz7RgO7ibp9xOrErtF2e0.Uju5Vfzs490yfeUm1SYUswprufF35CL0GRvDZ0ZwciU&dib_tag=se&keywords=graphite+grease&qid=1719826937&sprefix=graphite+grease%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-8

I just noticed its on sale as well!!

 

[Bigcats]

This one is cheaper and is 50g rather than 30g which the other one I linked too is

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pressol-1866121-10589-34-Graphite/dp/B00DZGABVO/ref=pd_sim_d_sccl_4_4/259-3768241-1628569?pd_rd_w=Mcw4G&content-id=amzn1.sym.c7e2bad4-5f0a-4571-946c-cadf3ebf9cb4&pf_rd_p=c7e2bad4-5f0a-4571-946c-cadf3ebf9cb4&pf_rd_r=NP25164YSSTMQCDK3PPX&pd_rd_wg=WcTWt&pd_rd_r=07faa945-8a9a-49df-9b24-076681fa9e42&pd_rd_i=B00DZGABVO&psc=1

 

[Alan R]

I’ve found that the stiffness is caused by road dirt and grit clogging the lever mechanism rather than the lock barrel itself. There are flat plate sliding parts that rub past each other that grit gets between causing the gritty feeling. Take the locks off by unscrewing the four self tapping screws and remove the plastic sides to get to the mechanism which consists of a couple of pins and the plates. They are easy to take apart and clean and only go together one way.
Having re read your post I realise that I might be addressing a separate issue: nevertheless, what I’ve described above is worth doing.
Alan R