Wizard1 replied:

Lubricate them regularily.

Axel [ the real one ] replied:

Spray them with lanolin , also just remember that the padlocks wont actually stop anyone who realy wants your spares , flat blade screw driver +8in shifter and the whole carrier arm and wheel is gone in less that it takes to type this reply ,,

Dave(NSW) replied:

tuck 01
Do as suggested above plenty of CRC then tape around padlocks to stop dirt from entering keyhole.
Cheers Dave...

Member - Willie , Epping .Syd. replied:

Mr Tuck ,

An interesting problem .

I have tried lubricant and taping them , but they always seem to fill up with dust . I have tried pulling balloons around them , I bought Master locks because they had a rubber cap , I HAVE TRIED BLOODY EVERYTHING with little success .

I will read the answers to your post with interest .

Willie .

Shaker replied:

NEVER use WD40, CRC or anything similar in any lock, only ever use graphite powder in locks! (Just ask a locksmith)

What I have done to stop dust in the lock, is to stick a piece of about 6mm black foam sealing tape on the bottom of the lock across the keyhole, then with a razor craft knife I cut a slit in the tape in line with the keyhole.
Since doing that I have never had a problem with the lock.

Baggy replied:

Tuck 01
I bought a set of "dust-proof" locks keyed identically for the two spares and the Hi-Lift jack. I had to tape them down to stop them hitting the tailgate. The first set were Lockwood and worked efficiently for three years over most of the dusty trips until I lost one during a tyre rotating session. The new lot are a year old with no trouble yet but only one long dusty trip. Can't remember the brand but will be able to look it up later in the day if you are interested.
Regards
Brian

Dave from P7OFFROAD Accredited Driver Training replied:

I have dustproof locks (yellow body and black bolt, can't remember the brand) and thus far they have worked well.

Mine are mounted on the ARB bar and rather than securing the wheel and tyre they secure the bar that joins the 'hub' to the carrier. The wheels are secured with locking nuts.

tuck 01 replied:

Thanks all.
Sounds like dustproof locks are the go.
Will talk to locksmith next time I'm going past.
Cheers

Member - Duncs replied:

Tuck,

I have a Lockwood lock can't remember if it "dustproof" but I don't think so, it was recommended by a locksmith friend of mine. He also recommended the occasional spray of WD40 or something similar too. It's probably been sprayed a couple of times.

Anyway it was on the GQ for a few years and has been on the GU for 5years + and never had a problem. I did live in Broken Hill for 4.5 years too. The missus called it the capital city of dust. We have also done plenty of dusty trips in SA and outback NSW.

Duncs

Coops (Perth) replied:

I've had similar on my 80 series for 8 years now.
I've lubricated it with Lanolin and have an Exploroz wheel cover over the spare.
Never had an issue in all that time, most of which has been spent in the Pilbara and recently Kalgoorlie, so dusty tracks galore.

RovingOz (QLD) replied:

try a condom, worked on a mates compressor tank fitting. :)

Member - Mark E (VIC) replied:

Sell the wheels and tyres and put split rims with Dunlop Road Grippers all round...... never had a problem with people nicking these despite them NEVER being locked... ;-(

Cheers,

Mark

Member - Kiwi Kia replied:

Use a dry lube ONLY.

As already mentioned use powdered graphite. It comes in a small plastic squeeze (puffer pot) container. Also put some on the key and work it in & out of the lock a few times - then wipe the key carefully or you will put black smudges on your clothes.

TD100 replied:

i used brass shanked locks and never had problems with them,if they needed lubing only use graphite as dirt sticks to crc or similar.cheers Paul

gilghana replied:

Bought some the other day for this exact purpose. Brand is Abus and they are described as salt water padlocks - so have pretty good sealing. Cannot obviously confirm their longevity but they look like they should do the trick.
Gil

chocolate teapot replied:

hi tuck 01

had a smilar problem with dust in locks - fixed it though - bought stainless lock from whitworths.

Dont lube locks with anything other than graphite - using liquid or paste lubes makes about as much sense as putting a ferret in yr underpants.

Clean off the end of the lock with metho or similar let it dry and use plain old electrical tape to cover base of lock including key hole.

No dust in lock and remove to open - of course dont forget to replace.

Hope this helps

Member - Bucky (VIC) replied:

Have you tried graphite powder, dry lubrication, but I do like the idea, in another post of the tape over the keyhole .
Cheers
Bucky