Chassis Lube?

[MxChief66-1]

Getting ready to do the first chassis lube on our 2016 Anthem. What type and brand of grease are you DIYers using?

Also what brand and rating of jacks are you using to support the coach while underneath?

Appreciate your input. Mark

[brobox]

Just my preference....I like red grease as I can see it coming out easier in the tight dark space than I can dark grease. I don't know the brand name unless I see it.

[757driver]

I like the red grease as well, just make sure it is NLGI #2.

[Smitty3509]

There are 10 fittings in the front and 10 in the rear, do a count so you know you got them all. There are 2 on each end of the drive shaft (the universal joint). This was from the Spartan owners class. You'll need some heavy duty jack stands! My coach is 44000#. You could make some ramps using railroad ties......

[MxChief66-1]

Originally Posted by 757driver

I like the red grease as well, just make sure it is NLGI #2.

Thanks Don just what I was looking for.

Mark

[MxChief66-1]

Originally Posted by Smitty3509

There are 10 fittings in the front and 10 in the rear, do a count so you know you got them all. There are 2 on each end of the drive shaft (the universal joint). This was from the Spartan owners class. You'll need some heavy duty jack stands! My coach is 44000#. You could make some ramps using railroad ties......

Thanks Harold, trying to track down jacks now.

Mark

[Gasman 2]

Note: Do not use grease containing Molybdenum Disulfide. Molybdenum Disulfide grease will likely have a negative impact on the function of key friction components and reduce the operational efficiency of the automatic slack adjuster.

[johnnyreno]

Do the 2014 anthem also have 20 zircs I thought it was a different total on 2014

[UncleJamie]

This is an NLGI 2 grease that I chose.

Helps to be related to Houdini (and skinny)!!

[DeeGee]

Originally Posted by MxChief66-1

Thanks Harold, trying to track down jacks now.

Mark

I bought a pair of these:

Omega 32225B Black Heavy Duty Jack Stand - 22 Ton Capacity

Given that I'm only lifting one end, they should suffice.

[Matt D]

Mark,

For several years I used a set of 3/4" plywood rectangles of various lengths. All pieces are 12" wide and vary from about 18" long to around 48". At one end of each board is a 1 1/2" wide ledger strip that acts as a stop for the next higher section to nest against.

Then, just drive onto the stack and enjoy extra room without worrying if something is going to deflate or collapse.

I know a fellow that made a taller stack by combining several 2" X 12" boards for a similar effect.

Once at the local Freightliner shop, I was able to locate some heavy truck grade 20 ton jackstands for around $250ish. These bad boys will hurt you if you let one fall on your foot. I use only made in USA stands and these are really stout.

I will offer a suggestion as a precaution if you will indulge me..

I never get under the coach when it's aired up, and the bags are inflated, ever.

Some way, some how I gain type the required working space without using the air suspension. I'm really fortunate as I have a level concrete garage to work on. So I build a stack of boards usually, drive up, dump the bags and go to work. It may seem unlikely, but if I can gain 4-6" under the wheels, I've got plenty of breathing room down below.

If I need to elevate one end or the other, I chock front and rear on both drive wheels.

Thanks for indulging me, but I'm very careful with chassis work.. and I do it all.

Oh, by the way if you grease a U-Joint, ensure it accepts grease at both zerk fittings. If one won't accept grease, rotate the shaft and try again. If it won't accept grease regardless, you might remove it for inspection. I discovered a smoked joint this way, prior to failure, on a 23,000 mile coach.

Hope this helps,

-Matt

[MxChief66-1]

Originally Posted by Matt D

Mark,



For several years I used a set of 3/4" plywood rectangles of various lengths. All pieces are 12" wide and vary from about 18" long to around 48". At one end of each board is a 1 1/2" wide ledger strip that acts as a stop for the next higher section to nest against.



Then, just drive onto the stack and enjoy extra room without worrying if something is going to deflate or collapse.



I know a fellow that made a taller stack by combining several 2" X 12" boards for a similar effect.



Once at the local Freightliner shop, I was able to locate some heavy truck grade 20 ton jackstands for around $250ish. These bad boys will hurt you if you let one fall on your foot. I use only made in USA stands and these are really stout.



I will offer a suggestion as a precaution if you will indulge me..



I never get under the coach when it's aired up, and the bags are inflated, ever.



Some way, some how I gain type the required working space without using the air suspension. I'm really fortunate as I have a level concrete garage to work on. So I build a stack of boards usually, drive up, dump the bags and go to work. It may seem unlikely, but if I can gain 4-6" under the wheels, I've got plenty of breathing room down below.



If I need to elevate one end or the other, I chock front and rear on both drive wheels.



Thanks for indulging me, but I'm very careful with chassis work.. and I do it all.



Oh, by the way if you grease a U-Joint, ensure it accepts grease at both zerk fittings. If one won't accept grease, rotate the shaft and try again. If it won't accept grease regardless, you might remove it for inspection. I discovered a smoked joint this way, prior to failure, on a 23,000 mile coach.



Hope this helps,



-Matt

Matt,

All very good advice to a first time coach owner. I appreciate you taking your time to share it.

I as well will not trust my safety to air bags or leveling system. I like your idea of stacked plywood and plan to get those built this week. Do you also use jack stands when driving up on boards?

Thanks for tip on U-joints!

Mark

[MxChief66-1]

Originally Posted by DeeGee

I bought a pair of these:



Omega 32225B Black Heavy Duty Jack Stand - 22 Ton Capacity



Given that I'm only lifting one end, they should suffice.

I do like these stands!

[MxChief66-1]

Originally Posted by UncleJamie

This is an NLGI 2 grease that I chose. Attachment 143111

Helps to be related to Houdini (and skinny)!!

Jamie,

Assuming Spartan uses a non synthetic grease is there any concern with adding a synthetic?

Mark