Community Forums

Dr ROK · 05-26-2017, 11:32 AM

I have Lippert slide outs and have lubed the rails with dry lube, but wasn't sure what I should use on the "tube" that's under there. Not even sure what it's called or if it needs to be lubed. Any advice is appreciated!!!

schrod · 05-26-2017, 04:07 PM

More than likely that "tube" is really a solid hydraulic ram that pushes and pulls the slide. If you are going to be setup for quite some time, I would recommend just spraying lightly with WD-40 to keep it from possibly rusting if somehow moisture was able to penetrate the microscopic coating of hydraulic fluid.

jelag · 05-27-2017, 01:36 PM

so my Lippert slides have a little plastic button that guides the tubes that slide... and there is an adjustment that allows you to adjust the contact of the gears that keeps both the contact correct... its really important that you watch this adjustment, as what will happen is the gears and rack will wear.... and then skip...

It's funny but on my coach the gear is 3/4" wide and the rack is only 1/2" wide... and not knowing that this needed annual attention I let mine go and eventually wore out the gear and rack....

To my dismay the gear is available from Lippert but the rack is only available with the tube as a welded assembly and a lot of work to install.... I found the rack, correct tooth and pitch in a 3/4" wide assembly 4 ft long.... for me it was easy to buy the gear from Lippert and the rack from my bearing supplier.... grind the welds off the old one and weld on the new one... making sure it was in time... now annually I check this... but to be honest... the 3/4" wide rack now matches the gear, and than means something like 30% more contact surface.. I assume it will last the time that I own it...

An who knows why Lippert can't just put the good stuff in when they manufacture the chassis...

Dranoel · 06-01-2017, 09:33 PM

I lube my pistons slides/jacks every few weeks with silicone. I believe WD40 May interfere with the seals.

JayC · 06-01-2017, 11:29 PM

I would use dry silicone. WE-40 attracts dust and dirt.

paz · 06-02-2017, 03:40 AM

The "tube" is likely the ram of the hydraulic cylinder that moves the slide. The ram sits in a cylinder filled with hydraulic (transmission) fluid and should not need to be lubed.

The extended portion of the ram is under the slide and is not likely to get very dirty, but if it does it could be wiped off with a soft cloth. If dirt is stubborn, use a little transmission fluid on the cloth.

Use dry lube on the racks and pinions.