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Old 04-14-2006, 07:30 PM   #1
RADHAZJOE
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Slide lube

How do I lube the slide mechanisms and what do I use? ThaNKS.
 
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Old 04-14-2006, 08:07 PM   #2
JH Sechelt
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Hi Radhazjoe,

Probably the best way to lube your slides is to just bring them in and put them out every week or two.
You don't want to let the Chrome plated hydraulic rams get pitted or let any rust build up on them.
When you bring them in and out it keeps them oiled up with the ATF that is in the rams.
I don't think you want to grease or oil the rails or gears, as dirt, dust and junk will then stick to everything and that would not be to healthy.
I'm sure Dale (M1MF2) will be along with the proper things to do with your slides. He works for the manufacture.

J & D
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Old 04-15-2006, 04:10 PM   #3
fulltimedreamer
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Radhazjoe,

I have used a silicone spray on the rack and pinion for the last four years with good results. Keeps everything running smoothly and does not collect dust and grit. It is available at your local home improvement or hardware store.
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Old 04-15-2006, 05:57 PM   #4
Wrenchtraveller
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All gears work smoother with lubrication and your rack and pinion slide out is no exception.
I use a spray lubricant on mine and every couple of years I will spray them off with a good degeaser like Walter's Slapshot and re lubricate them. These gears should have an easy life and probably will last the life time of the unit even without lubrication, but as a millwright, I can not let any gear go unlubricated.

I agree with John on the hydraulic ram, but if I was going to sit for a few weeks without moving the slide, I would probably spray it with LPS 2 or some other anti-corrosive lubricant spray.
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Old 04-16-2006, 03:11 AM   #5
RADHAZJOE
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Thanks for prompt and knowledgablereplies. We don;t sit often for more than a week but are strongly considering longer time frames after a year of racing around the USA.
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Old 04-18-2006, 02:47 AM   #6
rames14
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At last year's rally, we had the Montana service techs give a seminar and they went through all of the maintenance recommendations for the trailer. Silicon spray on the seals and the rack and pininion were the recommended choice from the factory. In addition, spray a little on the side of the slide in an "S" shape on the side of the slide and that will lube the slide seals as well. The silicon spray will keep the seals nice and flexible.
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Old 04-20-2006, 02:11 PM   #7
sreigle
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It's been awhile but I got out and lubed the rack on ours today. I use the TFE 101 (I think that's right) that the Keystone Service Center recommends. It does not collect dirt like many other lubricants including that sold by Camping World and Walmart. I also wiped down the ram with wd-40 but that's the first time I've done that on this almost four year old Montana. It looked shiny and smooth as new before I lubed it but I did it anyhow. I did not get the seals lubed. That will be another day. That and scrubbing the roof and cleaning the rest of the Montana.
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Old 04-22-2006, 11:43 AM   #8
jpf
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OK Guys, mechanically challenged new guy needs help. I was getting a little curious since it sounds as though our 2005 3400 slides are "groaning" a little more than they used to when we bring them in or out.
I think some helpful definitions may be in order...
I think I understand the seals are the sides and top rubber things that keep the wind and weather out (somewhat).
But, help would be appreciated in describing the (1) rack; (2)rail (I think they may be the two rails under the slideouts, but confirmation appreciated); (3)pinion.

Also, I looked at the Montana "Slideout maintenance" on this forum and thought I understood it said use only mild soap for lubrication....???
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Old 04-23-2006, 09:02 AM   #9
sreigle
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You are correct about the seals. They are the rubber things on all four sides of the slides. They keep the weather outside. You can get slide seal lubricant from rv dealers, camping world, and some walmarts. If the groaning you hear is a squeal type sound it's probably the seals. Some of that is normal but when it gets real bad that's a clue they need lubricating. The purpose for lubing the seals is to keep them from drying out too much. Keep them pliable so they perform the intended job.

The rack is the long bar with teeth on the bottom. On the coach side of the rack you will also see a gear with teeth. The teeth on the bar is what you lubricate. That and I shoot lube into the gear (pinion) teeth best I can without moving the slides, too. I think rail refers to the same thing. There should be two under each slide.

You may also have heard the term "ram". That's the round chrome rod. There is one for each slide. The ram moves in and out to move the slides. There is a seal through which the ram slides back and forth, into and out of the cylinder. It is a hydraulic process. If the ram gets burrs or otherwise gets rough it can damage that seal.

If this just makes the water more muddy, please post back and we'll try again. Or if I got something wrong, someone please correct.
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Old 04-27-2006, 07:16 AM   #10
8.1al
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I think Steve explained it all quite nicely. If you look closely at the gear that meets the rack you will see a plate in either side of it. these have a bushing that the gear shaft goes thru. Just squirt a little oil into the area between these plates and the gear once in a while as things tend to get a little rusty.
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