Community Forums

sbeers · 01-25-2023, 06:47 AM

I am in process of cleaning the 2 big rails on my front hydraulic slide. Wondering if I should lube them with silicone or dry lube? They look to slide against pads inside the coach.

Smitty77 · 01-25-2023, 03:30 PM

You might look at some brake cleaning spray, hit everything real well. Run the slide in/out a few times. Repeat if you think it needs it.

Then I'd suggest dry lube, as you know other lubricants will hang onto any dust that blows up onto the area.

And I was surprised how much easier our 04 Allure slides worked, after a thorough cleaning of the rubber seals, then treatment. I used Aerospace 303, as I was looking more for the UV protection then the lubrication... But it helped on that too. Especially the big deep front slide on our Driver's side, sure seemed to work less hard... And came in/out more smooth and in balance.

Best,
Smitty

DirtyHarry · 01-25-2023, 03:31 PM

Without knowing for sure, I've always used the dry lubricant. on my coach.

sbeers · 01-26-2023, 07:54 AM

Thanks, I use 303 on the seals as well, and it is due. Will continue cleaning the rails and apply some silicone.

CamDaddy · 02-01-2023, 12:57 AM

The HWH manual expressly says DO NOT use any lubricant of any type on the slide rails.

sbeers · 02-01-2023, 06:45 AM

CamDaddy, can you point me to that manual? I have a few HWH manuals, and have searched, but have not found any regarding mechanical maintenance.

Smitty77 · 02-01-2023, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamDaddy

The HWH manual expressly says DO NOT use any lubricant of any type on the slide rails.

I agree with no lubricant's

!

But, from a 2022 visit with Moscow Iowa. Where I asked several questions on slides, and leveling...

I stand by my advice to clean off any 'over the years' residual 'crud' build up.

I do not consider dry lube, to be a 'lubricant'...

THAT BEING SAID! When in doubt. I encourage a call to the Mothership HWH - to get advice on all things HWH

!

Smitty

darnold9999 · 02-01-2023, 09:58 PM

My HWH slide manual also says no lubricant of any kind on slide rails and they look identical to your picture.

sbeers · 02-02-2023, 05:45 AM

I sent email to AZPete for his advice......

sbeers · 02-02-2023, 06:39 AM

He replied already (he is the best!), and said that is is OK if I want to.

From Paul:
"dry silicone will do no harm, on the slide rails. Just don't use it on cylinders."

My big slide does a bit of a dance on its way in sometimes, so I will give the rails a coat. I also treated both sides of all the lip seals with 303.