Re: 55 Ford Ranch wagon Door latch Question
These door lock mechanisms were a brilliant design, but if your doors are not properly adjusted such that undue tension is placed upon that star-wheel/shaft/lock-wheel assembly, you will severely reduce the life of that mechanism.
When you get your new (or good used) replacement, I suggest first throwing a few drops of 3-in-1 oil down behind the star-wheel so it will run down into that shaft. Immediately afterward, smear lubriplate all around that star-wheel and shove it down in there with a little screwdriver to "lock" the oil in that shaft area. Turn to the backside of the mechanism and lube the heck out of all the moving parts there too before installation. It should last you a good long time if your doors are adjusted properly.
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