Slideout Cogwheel Track

[mbrooking]

Well this happened. I pulled the bus out to exercise the generator and backed back in, and put out the slides.
When I walked by yesterday, I noticed the cogwheel track was hangin down... All of the screws were missing (I found three on the ground).
I cannot just re-screw as the track is forward of the existing screw holes about 1/2".

My plan is to push on the track while the wife retracts the slide a little ways, in hopes that the cogwheel will catch on the track. Then replace screws and probably add a lot more. Does this sound like a workable plan, or can anyone provide any other solutions?

We are scheduled to be in Nappanee this summer, so they can verify the slide is in proper working order.

[sramer]

I have has the same problem where the screw heads shared off. I took a center punch and pounded them through the wood then installed larger screws. I did use a countersink on the track to get the larger screws to sit a little more flush so they don't damage the bottom slide seal. So far, so good (knock on wood) it's been a couple years.

[Capt. Bill]

I had the same issue about 6 years ago on my MADP- as Sramer says- I went to larger #12 screws in Stainless steel- higher shear strength- I had to ream out the counter sinks for the larger heads so they sat flush with the steel plate. I also installed 6 extra screws/ plate on all cog plates- haven't ever had a problem again since my fix.

Happy Trails

[Rev. Roy]

You hit on something I have done since day one which is check the screws on the slide tracks regularly. When I found some had backed out in year one, I went with a larger screw in all of them and drilled more holes to add additional screws as well. I also added loctite to the screws. I haven't had any come loose since but I can't say which step worked. I suspect it was adding more screws but that's just my opinion.

[mbrooking]

Well got her fixed...
Wife pulled the slide in about 4" while I put pressure on the plate. I could feel it catch on the cog wheel and it got back in line with the original holes. I added new #12 stainless screws. Some of them wouldn't get tight due to the holes being warbled out from pulling out the original screws. I then decided to add Gorilla Glue to the end of each screw and tighten. Leaving it alone for the glue to cure, but for now at least she is useable again. I probably will need to come back later and add additional screws in between.

[NCC-1701A]

How long are the screws (total length since it's a flathead)?

[mbrooking]

The original were about 3/4” long and were self tapping so even less threads. I went back with 1”

[gpshay]

Could you drill through the exiting hole and use bolts and washers and nuts on the inside of the slide .. or is that not possible ... glenn

[MikeyG]

I went with longer screws and hit steel on the forward track, so I predrilled the steel and tapped the screws into the steel. The plate is nice and tight now. I need to do the same thing on the rear track.

[WILDEBILL308]

Originally Posted by mbrooking

The original were about 3/4” long and were self tapping so even less threads. I went back with 1”

The real question is how thick is the material the screws are going in to.
Bill

[mbrooking]

I believe it’s just 3/4 but not totally sure

[gpshay]

For those who are following I just received this email back from NIRVC ...

RE: 2025 Bay Star Slide Question

Pete Pacheco<ppacheco@nirvc.com>

There are no wires that would be in that area for you to be concerned with my service manager states