Bedroom Slide Lubrication

[AvoJim]

Hi Everybody,

I have a 2005 Dolphin 5342. I am trying to find out how to or even if I need to lubricate the bedroom slide. The slide mechanism is under the bed but it look like it would take some serious dismantling to get to parts that should be lubed. Is this possibly a permanently lubed mechanism? I hope. We are relative newbies. We bought our coach in April and naturally there was no documentation with it. I was told by the salesman to lubricate the slides each time we use them. At the time I didn't realize that the bottom of the bedroom slide has a cover over it and you can't get to the gears. All info will be greatly appreciated.

Jim

[GOT2CMP]

jim, I also have a 2004 dolphin 5352. If you raise up the board under the mattress it is on hinges . Pull out the drawers if you have them under your bed.By doing this you can get to the slide motor and gears from the bed from the inside. They do need to be lubbed each season . Roger

[kennersonf]

As usual, the RV salesman doesn't know anything. We bought our coach new in 2003 and I have not lubricated the bedroom slide mechanism yet. If you do lubricate it, us a dry lube (sold everywhere) so dirt doesn't form. It would be a good idea to lubricate every season like Roger said.

[WSRG]

I have found that the best way to keep the bedroom slide moving smoothly is to lube the brass gear under the bed sub floor with a good quality grease [wheel bearing grease is ok].

But, the most important thing is on the outside of the slide.
With the slide extended, find the three areas under the outside of the slide that make contact with the three nylon bushings. These areas will show scrape marks from when the slide goes in and out. Lightly sand these areas with 600 grit wet-dry emery paper. After sanding, wax these areas with a carnuba type wax...not the new polymer stuff, just good old car wax. The reason for doing this is that nylon bushings under load really shouldn't be lubed anyways [it causes the slide to make a chunking or shuddering noise as it moves]. Secondly, it keeps dirt from sticking to the underside of the slide when it is out.

Once you have done these two things, all that is required is to lube the gear once every month, and put some more wax under the slide every month or so [depending on usage].

Hope this helps.

Bill

[speed racer]

It is important to keep the outside of the slides clean and lube the seals with silicon lube. It works best to soak a rag with lube and wipe the seals inside and out. When these seals get dry and dirty they cause a drag and can damage th gears in the slide mechanisom.

[jbobst]

Speed racer, are you referring to lubing the foam gaskets around the slide out room? Do you just use regular silicon spray for the foam pieces?

[RJay]

I use a dry lubricant like a Teflon spray or a spray specifically designed for slides available at Camping World. I try to stick with multi-use products.

[Richard S.]

This link should help. Rv slide out seal - Shop sales, stores & prices at TheFind.com

[JC2]

How does one propose lubricating those seals if they have a slide topper on their slideout?

[speed racer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbobst Speed racer, are you referring to lubing the foam gaskets around the slide out room? Do you just use regular silicon spray for the foam pieces?

I am refering to the rubber lip seals around the slide. the one on top is a little diffacult but it can be done. When these seals get dry they start draging and can cause damage to the drive gear.

[two slides]

I have a 2000 sea view model with 2 slideouts but bedroom slide has never been lubricated---still working ok (power gear I think). it would be very difficult to get to---probably need to partly remove bed. guess newer dolphin models have improved access to slide-out motor.

[Edouard]

I just lubbed the white nylon guides under the bed slide with spray silicone.
Raised the bed, pulled up and out the carpet covered 1/4" plywood to access the complete slide assembly.
We had a high pitch squealing noise, and with the assembly open for inspection, ran the bed slide and found the noise to be coming from the nylon guides. Noise gone, but will get back to it later and put some wheel bearing grease on the gear teeth, following WSRG suggestion, they appeared to be without any grease whatsoever, Thanks.

[Belgian]

I've had trouble with my bedroom slide for about a year. When it goes in or out it shutters and make a terrible sound. I've been through three drift pins on the gear. I tried all the recommended solutions found here on IRV2 and on RV.net without much help. Then I read WSRG and saw the word 'carnuba'. I have apparently be trying waxes with polimers and not carnuba. Bought some Mothers carnuba wax and it works like a dream. Just goes to show... you need to read the solutions very carefully. Thanks WSRG.

[Edouard]

I have gotten to grease both the bedroom and main living/dining slide gears with a good axle grease, next will be to put some Carnuba wax under the slide belly's to give the nylone rollers the best chance of sliding without shutterlng, thanks for that tip Belgian.