Had to Replace Hydraulic Ram on Slide

[bob n pam]

Well, after 7 years of use, we developed a leak in the seal of the hydraulic ram on the living room slide. It was caused by corrosion and pitting on the ram which allowed the hydraulic fluid to leak. So, warning to all of you - if your slides are out for a period of time cycle in and out at least once a week, and if set up for a long period of time or near salt air, spray it with a silicone lubricant at least once a week if you're not going to cycle. It cost us around $800 to replace the ram and a little bit of maintenance would have saved us a tidy sum.

[Driftwoodgal]

Sorry to hear about your problem. I appreciate the tips about keeping the silicone lubricant on the slides. We do it, but not as often as you have suggested. I will mention it to DH.

Colleen

[bigmurf]

How much of the cost was labor vs parts?

[bob n pam]

bigmurf, the ram cost $400, more or less, and the rest was labor. It fits much better now and operates very smoothly.

[snfexpress]

I've been using this: http://www.corrosionx.com/marine.html

It stinks for a few days, but its ability to prevent rust and remove existing iron oxide is worth it. I put some on the king pin and it removed all the rust.

As an added bonus, the slides no longer squeek.

Thanks for the post!

[SlickWillie]

One of the winter Texans here in ICW advised me to coat the cylinder rod very liberally with marine grease. He has lived right next to the water for months at a time for years. So, I heeded his advice. I had replaced our LR/DR slide cylinder (under warranty) this past fall due to rust. I checked some of the units on the lot at the Montana dealer in Rockport; the cylinder rods are already rusted. So far, so good on ours.