Lubricate slide acme screws

[oldbeek]

I went to Barkley / H&H mfg. that made the slide mecanisms on my 18 yr old Alpenlite. Asked them if slide screws need lubed. They said at 18yrs of use DEFINATELY YES. I dropped my slide screws today and found the Acme screws pretty dry which would have ended in failure soon. Checked drive gear boxes also. I post this because everyone I talked to said the slide drives do not need lube. I think they are talking about the newer rack and pinion slide mecanisms. Next project is the 5r front jacks. How do I lube them?

[Ray,IN]

I use Dri-Slide. It is molybdenum in a rapidly evaporating carrier. First extend the front jacks almost all the way and clean them to remove dirt, old grease and oil, etc. I never use grease or oil because it attracts road dirt and grime. The jack gears should be lightly coated with - naturally- gear and sprocket lube. I use the spray kind for convenience.