Replacing the driver side lock cylnder

Success! I examined the passenger side lock to check the orientation of the cylinder in relation to the cog, and once I lined up the driver side lock the same way I was able to push the protruding bit back by hand and was able to get it out. That plate under the cog seems to move only when the key is turned 45 degrees, but only for a few mm. Once it is pushed out the key no longer engages the cog. Problem is it doesn't want to stay in place and pops up under load. Still thinking if it is worth trying to glue it in place but that would be risky as if it fails again I'll have to go through the same process again to get it out.
By the way, are left and right lock interchangeable? The appear the same but they have different coloured cogs (white on passenger side and black for driver side).
I guess I could just invest in the new set:
www.ebay.com/itm/265678399916
 
What happens when you soak the lock in PENETRATING oil? Rotate the key and keep adding penetrant to flush out any debris or corrosion.

Please do not glue anything in there.
 
I used penetrating oil to give it a good clean, a lot of crap came out, but this thing does not want to stay in place...if anything now it pops out even more easily. I just cleaned it again with the contact cleaner and I doubt there is anything I can do except apply a bit of epoxy glue on the moving bit and slide it in so it stays in place... unless there is a better idea?
 
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So is the area that secures the lock in position damaged? The C plate is what secures the lock in place. The bit that makes no sense is you say the handle does not lock out.
 
audifan said:
So is the area that secures the lock in position damaged? The C plate is what secures the lock in place. The bit that makes no sense is you say the handle does not lock out.
Click to expand...
Handle does not lock out because the latch fell out, C plate is stripped but all of that is irrelevant to the actual problem The problem is in the lock cylinder itself. This bit outlined in red pops up and once that happens turning the key does not engage the cog. If I push it in it works fine, but it pops out again under load. It is also what prevented the cylinder to come out.

cylinder.jpg
 
Replacement lock time. Not sure if the barrel can be removed from the shell to enable the same key to be used.
 
Possibly, there is a spring that could be removed but it also looks like a bitch to ever put back once removed. I may try to disassemble it when I get a spare, for science.

Anyway, hopefully this helps someone if they run into this bizarre problem.
 
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I have to voice my opinion about the incredible engineering that went into that handle mechanism, and yes, this is a sarcasm.

The latch that is supposed to hold the tension of the lever so you can reattach the handle is incredibly fragile and if you apply any pressure to it while putting back the handle it will pop out. First time around I found it inside the door and put it back, second time even with the window frame removed the handle rubbed against the lever and the plastic latch flew out and disappeared inside the door frame never to be found again.

I just decided I won't be needing to remove/install the handle ever again, and if I do I'll remove the door cover.

The mechanism bought on ebay is missing the latch, I wonder why. Horrible bit of overengineered setup, unfortunately not uncommon in Audi world. :-/

Tale this as a warning if you ever decide to remove and reinstall your door handle without removing the inner door covers.
 
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