Living room slide has developed "the clunks"

[Newman]

Hi.

Last time I had the 2021 REOK out, the living room slide made 2 (maybe 3) clunking noises as it reached full extension. When pulling the slide back in, it made the same 2 (maybe 3) clunking noises as it began it's retraction. It is interesting the clunks came only while the slide room was, say, more than half way out, going either direction.

The slide fully deployed and fully retracted, but there is definitely something new happening. I did NOT have a chance to crawl under and investigate, and the trailer is in storage, but I need to start researching possible places to start looking for when I have a chance to go over there. I suppose this is an in frame rack and pinion?

I am sure it needs lubrication and I can get some PTFE on there, but where does it go and is that really the cause of some loud clunking?

Thanks for any help.

 

[norty1]

Not sure what type of slide mechanism but generally the rubber gasket can do that when it moves in or out and the rubber gasket has to change from a squeegee action to a wiper action.

Happens every time it's brought in or out. On both of my types a little silicone or slide lube will quiet it down.

 

[Newman]

I should have mentioned its not the gaskets - I do use slide lubricant fairly regularly. This is much louder and coming from under the floor where the slide mechanism is.

 

[norty1]

Do you know which type mechanism they are?

 

[Newman]

Do you know which type mechanism they are?

From my OP: "in frame rack and pinion" is what I know it as.

Not a schwintek like the bedroom, and not a cable slide.

 

[norty1]

I have rack and pinion also, 2 actually. Mine are older and made by Dexter. My rig has several factory cut access panels underneath that allow visual and manual access to the gears and drives. The Lippert rack and pinion slides have some good videos on YouTube that helped me understand and make adjustments to my slides.

All I can say is to have someone operate the slides while someone underneath can try and isolate where the noise is coming from. While looking. inspect for loose bolts. From the Lippert site, they don't recommend greasing, just keep clean. I do apply silicone spray lube occasionally.

 

[AZDIESELPIG]

Hi.

Last time I had the 2021 REOK out, the living room slide made 2 (maybe 3) clunking noises as it reached full extension. When pulling the slide back in, it made the same 2 (maybe 3) clunking noises as it began it's retraction. It is interesting the clunks came only while the slide room was, say, more than half way out, going either direction.

The slide fully deployed and fully retracted, but there is definitely something new happening. I did NOT have a chance to crawl under and investigate, and the trailer is in storage, but I need to start researching possible places to start looking for when I have a chance to go over there. I suppose this is an in frame rack and pinion?

I am sure it needs lubrication and I can get some PTFE on there, but where does it go and is that really the cause of some loud clunking?

Thanks for any help.

I would have someone pull the side in and out while you are under the side. Could just a lubrication issue or perhaps the slide is not level/aligned properly.

 

[Lazydude-JAY]

I would have someone pull the side in and out while you are under the side. Could just a lubrication issue or perhaps the slide is not level/aligned properly.

Or use the jayco app to move it yourself.

 

[Newman]

Thanks everyone. The point is I am not there at the trailer and was wondering if there were common issues I should research BEFORE I get on the ground and try to identify the problem in real time by myself. What the common failure points are, and if there are common reasons for clunking noises at the end of the slide room travel. Sounds like no ...

 

[OnTheGo]

As I understand this, the clunk is heard at almost full extension and then again shortly after retraction begins. That tells me the clunk happens at a somewhat consistent location and I would look for a tracking issue. Something could be loose, broken, obstructed, or worn that makes the slide have to push past it when it gets to that location.

The information you are looking for, "common issues", would likely come from the manufacturer or a repair tech. I would contact the manufacturer's technical assistance first.

When you are able to get to your REOK, run past the clunk a few times while listening through a tube or pipe that can help you isolate the area the noise is coming from. Good luck and let us know how it's resolved.

 

[AZDIESELPIG]

Or use the jayco app to move it yourself.

I am not sure it was available in that Rig. But, ya if you have it I guess.