I just use a really good penetrating synthetic spray grease.
many great ones to choose from.
one fine one  is 3M Multi-purpose spray lubricant .......
penetrates nicely, lubes really nicely.
makes a fine treatment for rubber too apparently.
just spray *everything* that moves.
even the ash tray and wiper arm pivots, and seat belt latches etc. etc.

in the military they once said.......for new troops .........'if it moves,
salute it, of it doesn't, paint it.'

For us it's .................. 'If it moves, spray lube it, if it doesn't ,
treat it for corrosion  repair and prevention."
Scott
www.turbovans.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "neil N" <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 4:04 PM
Subject: Re: [WetWesties] Sliding door doesn't

> Re: lube. If you "get into it" and lube the tracks too, don't do what I
> did.
>
> Use some kind of white or (?) grease on the upper/lower tracks around
> opening. I used black WB grease. Kinda messy. Rooky mistake! Also
> there are 2 or so screws holding the cover on the slider for the arm
> if you lube that.
>
> As per the first thing Scott said, I'll bet it's the adjustment on the
> cable. Probably was loosening over time.
>
> Best of luck!
>
> Neil.
>
>
>
> On Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 1:04 PM, Matthew Snook <matt@snooksband.com>
> wrote:
>> Argh.
>>
>> My sliding door was balking yesterday, opening only hesitantly when I
>> turned
>> the handle. It seemed as if something wasn't releasing at the rear latch.
>> This morning it refuses to open at all. And helpful hints as to what I
>> should look for when I get in there? Maybe all it needs is some good
>> lubricant, right? That's the sort of fix I enjoy. But at this point I
>> can't even open it.
>>
>> Matt