Problem with uPVC front door latch

[stevec59]

Hi everyone, all of a sudden the front door latch isn't working correctly, we have to lift the handle up to get it to stay closed, I've tried lubricating it with no success. I've attached a photo, it says Yale and has a screw in the middle, but no idea what that does

 

[stevec59]

The front and the back door used to be exactly the same, so pull the leave down open the door that latch goes in release the handle and that latch comes out. You can then shut the door and it will stay shut until you push up and leave it down again, but on the front door that doesn’t work

 

[crank39]

The centre gearbox has likely failed and needs replacing

 

[stevec59]

I guess that means a complete new unit, easy to obtain and fit?

 

[Scally-Ho]

Very easy to fit if you can use a screwdriver. Remove the assembly and take it along to supplier for exact replacement, or have one sent direct to you via e-bay.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_...sacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p4432023.m570.l1313

 

[crank39]

Before ordering just check whether you have a deadbolt under the latch or a hook, if its a hook make sure you order the correct one, some hooks go up some go down

 

[stevec59]

There's a shop locally that stock these, so I'll remove the old one and take it with me.

 

[crank39]

Good idea, they may even fit the new gearbox to the mechanism

 

[stevec59]

Job done, new mechanism, of course when I fitted it, by mistake I put the new mechanism inside the door, what you actually have to do is fit the mechanism to the strip where all the hooks are etc and make sure that everything lined up and works.
When I remove the door handle a washer fell out, it made the handle very loose I've replaced it with a rubber washer I presume that's right I did think about fiber but as it needs to slip into a groove I presume rubbers right I shall attach some

pictures

 

[jj4091]

Just as an aside. In your first post you were talking about not lifting the handle when you have closed the door. I seem to remember reading that lifting the handle to engage all the bolts helped stop UPVC doors warping. Just thought it might help, not sure if it is a myth or not.

 

[ronniecabers]

Just as an aside. In your first post you were talking about not lifting the handle when you have closed the door. I seem to remember reading that lifting the handle to engage all the bolts helped stop UPVC doors warping. Just thought it might help, not sure if it is a myth or not.

You are absolutely correct, it is not a myth. It's to do with the simple fact that if the door is only closed on the centre latch , the top and bottom of the door can be moved , dark coloured pvc in particular suffers thermal movement, engaging the full lock by pulling the handle up secures the top and bottom of the door reducing the risk of thermal movement plus it creates full ' compression ' of the door seals creating an airtight seal. You'd be surprised how many calls we get for whistling or a draft only to find people don't pull the handle up!