I've had my 1997 Vauxhall Astra for a year now and the key has a serious weak point in it because a) you can see it, it's plainly obvious and b) this is the 3rd time the key has bent/snapped/broke in under a year. Before i've been lucky and the key broke/bent before i used it but this time it's deeply stuck in the (drivers) car door.
Soo i think i'm gonna have to change the lock at a garage rather than having to get a locksmith (and probably more in the future). Does anyone have any idea on how much it will cost roughly at least? I can put up using the passanger door for a bit longer but i need to budget for it.Can you completely change the lock in a car door?
It's generally a pretty simple procedure. You have to pull the inner door panel off and the lock is usually held in place by a clip or maybe a single large nut.
Talk to the dealership and see if you can get a lock that's keyed to match the one you have so you won't have carry two different keys.
No idea on what the parts would cost (most likely under $100). It should take a mechanic less than an hour to do. Shop labor rates generally run between $75 and $100 per hour.Can you completely change the lock in a car door?
Get a new key and don't buy an Astra (disposable cars).
We mechanics love Astras as they keep us employed.
Play it safe and trade the thing in on a Toyota CorollaCan you completely change the lock in a car door?
I'd say lubricate the lock and door mechanism with WD-40 and buy several replacement keys ...be very careful not to bend them too far and replace them as they start to crack. A coping saw blade or large bent paper clip with a little hook on the end can be used to extract any broken keys. I've replaced lock sets on a number of cars with keys that have a weak point in them if the key cut is too deep at the shoulder or middle....only permanent way to get around it is to replace the whole lock and key with one that has cuts that are not so deep....changing ignition and other doors may have to be done also.
