Mr_Rx7_Au

Ok guys just a quick question...

My 85 GSL-SE Central locking was playing up recently (drivers side lock wasn't coming up) so I have taken off the trim and found the rods underneath and the problem is as follows.

My rods are in good condition. On Inspection I realised that the rod that holds my door lock handle is slipping when the door locks..... so when I go to unlock my doors using central locking remote the central locking rod unlocks the door but the door lock handle doesn't flip up... making it impossible to open the door from the outside. (have to go thru the passenger door and yank up the handle)

The two rods that control the door lock handle and the central locking are clamped together by a little square metal box with two holes for two screws to go into. The screws push against the rods locking them together, which makes the central locking lock and unlock when each handle is pushed up or down on both doors.

It looks a bit dodgy, I thought Mazda would've done something a bit more substantial than relying on two small screws and a think metal box to control the locking system.

Has anyone done their own custom repairs on this? what is the metal box called, just the rod clamp? I'm going to go to a hardware store today to try and get proper size screws to fit, and maybe they have something similar yet more reliable to replace the current set up.

I've drawn a sketch of the door and the system to help what I'm on about. hehe.


Hopefully you guys can help as doors really arnt my speciality.

cveklund

I work at a car stereo/alarm shop on the weekends, so I think Iknow what you are talking about. I don't have any idea what they call the piece you are referring to. We use the same thing when we add door locks to a car that doesn't have them. I have had a couple of them come loose but just retighten the screws really hard and you shouldn't have that problem again. I use a drill on them to make them indent the rod so it won't move. Hope this helps.

Chris

Mr_Rx7_Au

Yup that's some good advice... I was thinking of getting a whole new metal plate but If I can find the right size screw and perhaps drill a bit into the rod then hopefully they will fit nice and snug so they wont slip in the future.

cheers

Directfreak

iTrader: (2)

1st Gen RX-7's don't come from the factory with Central Locks. You have an aftermarket lock system. Does the switch look different?

I thought SE's weren't available in AUS? Or is it a standard series III?

MyRxBad

Ya, drilling a portion of the lock so you can set the screw into the rod a little bit is a good idea.

Or you could take off the assembly (with the 2 screws in it), brace the rod (from the back of it) and then use a punch to place a dent in the rod so the screw can hold a little better.

The second idea also works great when drilling into hardening steel or any slippery surface, so your drill doesn't slide all over the place and ruin the piece you are working on.