Community Forums

Bert B. · 02-20-2023, 10:18 AM

Planing to do a lube job and fluid change on my 2008. Are there any "hidden" or hard to find zerk fittings I need to be aware of?
Also, where is the power steering reservoir located?
Thanks,
Bert B.
2008 Alpine MDDS

Iceclimber · 02-20-2023, 06:28 PM

Hi, might want to add 2008 "what" exactly. Not too much mystery under there, but your coach might have a maintenance manual that will help.

Steve and Linda's APEX · 02-20-2023, 07:02 PM

Sounds like you may be a new owner. Welcome to the Alpine family if that is the case. If you are a member of FMCA, you might consider joining the Alpine Coach Association. If not, please look into FMCA and join both! As a member of ACA, you can access the members only link that will provide more technical information than you can imagine! You can also join the various owner groups spread out across the country. We are a great bunch with a passion to keep these Alpine's on the road for years to come.

andy29847 · 02-21-2023, 04:42 AM

Your 2008 is probably different than my 2001. Here is what I have:

U-joints on the driveshaft. To do this right, you have to turn the shaft. That means a wheel in the air and brakes off or jockeying the coach around in the driveway. There are 2 zerks on each u-joint. They do the same thing. Turning the shaft gets new grease into each bearing cup.

Front end - every rod joint plus top and bottom on the king pins.

Steering wheel - one underneath the coach, on inside under the steering wheel cover. I've never felt the need to grease the one on the steering wheel inside the coach.

Drive shaft - 4
Steering wheel - 2
Kingpins - 4
tie rod - 2
drag link - 2

Old Scout · 02-21-2023, 05:06 PM

One more on the driveshaft--s/b one on longitudinal joint between the two u-joints--it will seem like a bottomless pit for grease.

Bruce Anthon · 02-21-2023, 07:12 PM

On units with the foot brake pedal coming out of the floor, there is also a grease fitting on the brake rod. It is accessed underneath the floorboard.

Bert B. · 02-21-2023, 10:33 PM

Thanks to all for the info!

EngineerMike · 03-15-2023, 11:14 PM

08 power steering fluid is hydraulic fluid tank over the Cummins DPF in last basement compartment on passenger's side, along w/the spin-on filter found there.

Since you are doing routine maintenance, IIWMI'd grease the pivot on the brake "crank arm" located ahead of the brake pedal and accessible w/the gen slide out. There is a 7/16" headed nut & keeper at the top of the pivot arm you have to feel for; unclip the push rods & arm lifts up then rotate slightly & pull down & out. You'll see the rust stain where it rubs, clean & grease it at both ends. If it sticks due to friction of the rust buildup then the brake pedal sticks partly on & you overheat the brakes. Some have put a zerk on the tube but IMHO that's overkill.

Bert B. · 03-18-2023, 09:44 AM

Thanks for the info about the hydraulic fluid tank. My 08 was actually built in 07, because it has no DPF, (and the exhaust is on the drivers side).
There is a large reservoir in the rear engine compartment on the passenger side, it is labeled "HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS RESERVOIR", but it also says to fill with 15w-40 Valvoline Premium Blue, but that's not hydraulic fluid, it's engine oil!
Thanks for your help,
Bert B.

wolfe10 · 03-18-2023, 10:00 AM

Confirm in your owners manual, but YES, some coaches do use engine oil in their hydraulic systems.

Reprobate · 03-18-2023, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfe10

Confirm in your owners manual, but YES, some coaches do use engine oil in their hydraulic systems.

Exactly. A lot of our farm equipment uses 'motor oil' as hydraulic fluid. My RV leveling system uses ATF as hydraulic fluid. There are even water based hydraulic fluids.

Old Scout · 03-18-2023, 12:39 PM

Yup--during the 10+ year production run, Alpines used ATF-III, 15-w40 motor oil and eventually AW46 hydraulic fluid--seems like all three where inter-changeable with the AW46 being preferred at the end by owners.

Bert B. · 03-19-2023, 07:21 AM

Thank you all for the information, I never would have thought they would use motor oil for hydraulic fluid, especially 15w40.
Maybe that's why it takes so long for my jacks to retract!
Bert B.

Old Scout · 03-19-2023, 08:26 AM

Nope--the engine hydraulic system is totally separate from the HWH jack/slide hydraulic system. You are on the right track by asking about periodic maintenance. This forum is a great place to do your research--Alpines are a good opportunity for DIYers, but the learning curve can be a bit challenging--hang in there!