Slide out binding - Salem

[mcmartinez]

I own a 2006 Forest River Salem TT. The slide out is binding within 6 inches after it begins to slide out. The motor is running and will slide back in. It is a rack and pinion slide out. Any ideas??? I've checked for obstructions and found none. Sounds like the gear is slipping. Do they require grease???

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by mcmartinez

I own a 2006 Forest River Salem TT. The slide out is binding within 6 inches after it begins to slide out. The motor is running and will slide back in. It is a rack and pinion slide out. Any ideas??? I've checked for obstructions and found none. Sounds like the gear is slipping. Do they require grease???

Welcome to the forum first of all.
Does it go out completely even tho it appears to be binding ?
When it closes doesn't it fit tight all the way around ?

[mcmartinez]

Thanks, no it stops 6 inches out while the motor continues to turn. When it is closed it is tight all the way around.

[Road-King]

Originally Posted by mcmartinez

the motor continues to turn.

Do you hear the clutch (clicking) sound when the slide stops at that 6" spot?

[mcmartinez]

Yes I do

[Road-King]

OK so it sounds like it is probably not the motor. That clicking sound is the clutch, normal sound if the motor can't move the slide for some reason. I would make sure the TT was level then try it again. If no luck I would try to manually extend the slide with the hand crank.

Could be allot of things, out of alignment, a rock/pebble stuck somewhere or just need some lube on the rails.

[mcmartinez]

OK thanks. When it operating properly I would get the clicking at the start and the end of a slide, which tracks with what you are saying.

I know it needs lube. So many threads for and against lube that I chose to go without lube. I'll get the right lube and aply it to the rack and pinion.

I made sure the TT is level.

[mcmartinez]

To Road King

Thanks for your help.

I lubricated the slideout gears and the rubber seals. The problem was in the rubber seals. They had dried up a bit and were sticking to the sides of the slideout. All is working fine now.

I strongly urge all others to ignore those who say not to lubricate the slide. You must, but you must also use the right type of lubricant so that you do not collect dust.