Many times I think this slide cover (slides) on each side could use some grease or silicone. Then I know it will get all over everything it touches so I do not put anything on it. Should something be put on the black slide on each side of the steps to ensure smooth sliding.?
I don't and wouldn't advise it. Whatever you put on it will get on things you don't want it on. There is really minimal friction so lube isn't necessary. Someone had put some stop wedges on theirs a few years ago to keep the slide from banging at the outer end of travel. Sounded like a great idea and I'll probably do it one of these days.
Does clunk when getting to the end of each direction. Dan
Dan, you could just clean the black slide strips and then spray with 3M Dry Silicone spray. It goes on wet but dries. Same stuff works great in window tracks too. Ours clunks at both ends too.
Thanks in advance to Barry and Cindy for getting the link to the 3M dry silicone spray. We hava a can of the wet silicone lube as well. Tow bar manufacturer recommends it for tow bar sliding parts.
Amazon.com: 3M 08897 Silicone Lubricant (Dry Type) - 8.5 oz.: Automotive (http://amazon.com/3M-08897-Silicone-Lubricant-Type/dp/B000PJED72/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1461153269&sr=1-1&keywords=3m+dry+silicone+spray)
Here is Roger's 3M dry lube. We use it on our step slides and window slides and everywhere we want. We never leave home without a couple of cans.
Silicone Lubricant (Dry Type), 08897, 8 oz Net Wt - Shop3M (http://www.shop3m.com/3m-silicone-lubricant-dry-type-08897-8-oz-net-wt.html)
By the way to preserve the life in our (difficult to replace) step slide air cylinder, we have a 3-way valve to release air pressure in the cylinder after opening or closing slide.
Larry, that was me and I like them. Made mine out of Mahogany and clear stained them.They hold the slide down and stop any rattle of them when hitting a bump or? If you need pics just let me know.
JohnH
The reason for the banging at end of travel is that the 4-way pneumatic valve exhausts air way too fast.
The valve is located behind step on our coach and it has 3 air lines connected, air tank in, and to each end of cylinder.
The 4th valve connection has an exhaust damper adjustable valve that looks like a bronze breather. Remove it, clean it and tighten it back so when air is being pushed out of cylinder ends the damper slows the step slide movement speed, also eliminating the bang at the end of the stroke.
(The air tank in line is where we installed a 3-way valve that keeps the slide cylinder from be pressurized all the time.)
Same is used on our outside drop down step, where air pressure pushes step up and then pushes step down.
I have used paraffin to lubricate the black slide surfaces for the step well cover. It seems to help for a while and does not spread. I use the paraffin in the form of blocks. I think it can be found with the canning and preserving supplies at a grocery store.
You could also use a block of bees wax or a candle.
Stops at the door end were not because of any banging due to air pressure it was because there is nothing to stop the slide from "jumping up a bit" if a bump or? is hit with tires. This keeps it kind of tight between the slide surface and bottom of stops.
johnH
One of the best dry lubricants available is Team McLube SailKote available at West Marine and other marine stores.
Larry
Finally took a shot of my stops I made (couple of folks asked me to post them) so here it is.
It does not show but I put a thin piece or rubber under them to make a soft buffer.
JohnH
Thanks John, just as I envisioned it would look. Great idea and a great project without too many dollars spend nor time involved. ^.^d