I've spotted a number of small, circular Dwemer buildings[1] with an unlockable gate. Each one stands on it's own.

A lever can be clearly seen through the gate, as can four cogs. Each cog has a corresponding pinion[2] which makes it look as if they are some kind of lift.

I haven't found anyway in to these buildings and they do not appear on the map.

Are these quest related (no major spoilers please)? If not, how does one gain entry to these structures?

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[1] All near Dawnstar, from what I remember. There's one south of Dawnstar (a short distance east of Stonehill Bluff, south-south-west of Fort Dunstad, south-east of Frostmere Crypt).
[2] If I remember my mechanics correctly[3]
[3] Which I don't -- it's a rack (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinion)

A majority of the Dwemer ruins are quest related and will be locked until you start the quest.

You'll exit, first.

The lifts themselves can be accessed via another area, that you will be sent to as a part of a quest. As far as I know there is no legitimate way to open them from the outside.

You're right in that they are lifts...but they're exit-only. At least, until they're opened from the inside.

Try the Dwarven ruins of Mzinschalft (sp?), and all will become clear.

OK, thanks all.

I'll find it when I find it