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Topic: Lubricating the chassis (Read 925 times) previous topic - next topic

Lubricating the chassis

DIYers, how often do you lube your rig's chassis?
Royce & Denise, MC #17410
'01 U320 4220 ISM450 Build #5895 SOLD
Toad: '10 Honda CR-V

Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. - Gustave Flaubert

Re: Lubricating the chassis

Reply #1 –
Every oil change.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: Lubricating the chassis

Reply #2 –
Like Twig above. I like to lube and change oil once a year. The grease is just about free and the oil/filter is less than $100 with a gallon and a half left over. HF air jacks make it easy and fast to take the load off the front end before you hit the zerks with the gun.  Nice to have someone up behind the wheel to check ball joints, etc while no load on suspension. Also good time to check bulkhead condition and bolts plus do an overall underbelly check for damage, loose parts, etc. Don't forget to check all belts for cracks on the "V" part. If alternator has two belts, always install in pairs using same brand for both.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Lubricating the chassis

Reply #3 –
My reason for asking this question is that we will be full-timeing, disposing of that much oil would be a problem. However, because of the problems I have read about on this forum with techs luring things, e.g. brakes with the wrong grease,  I would like to do that myself. I have also read in Cummins docs that engine oil need not be changed but every 25 k miles. If this true, then why not do the chassis lube annually and the engine/Trans service every 2 years?

Am I wrong in my understanding?

Thanks
Royce & Denise, MC #17410
'01 U320 4220 ISM450 Build #5895 SOLD
Toad: '10 Honda CR-V

Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. - Gustave Flaubert

Re: Lubricating the chassis

Reply #4 –
Royce,

I service my transmission every other year and I don't use transynd. This was at the recommendation of MOT.

As for the disposal any oil change place will happily take your oil they get $1 a gallon from the recyclers
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Lubricating the chassis

Reply #5 –
Based on mileage or engine hours you can probably justify changing oil every 2 years or longer.  However I just feel more comfortable changing the oil and filters on the engine and generator every spring.  Besides someone told me "Oil is cheaper than Metal"

Nick
Nick
1999 U295 40'

Re: Lubricating the chassis

Reply #6 –
Reality check-- older chassis (any brand) have a very high likelihood of having suspension boots that are not in good shape.

Said another way, rubber ages badly.

So, more frequent lubing will far extend their life.

I do not believe in replacing tie rod ends, drag link ends, etc if they are mechanically sound, just because the boots are failing.  More frequent greasing extends their life many years after the boots are no longer water-proof.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Lubricating the chassis

Reply #7 –
...and you can use water resistant grease like the kind used for boat trailers
Scott Cook
1991 U300 36' 6V92TA
Old Town Penobscot 16
1984 Honda VF1100C (V65 Magna)

Re: Lubricating the chassis

Reply #8 –
You can renew the old boots.  PC
S/W Houston 95" U320C SE/40' 
Build #4778  Cummins M11
Repairs & Covered RV Parking (BAO)
PPL is close..

Re: Lubricating the chassis

Reply #9 –
Can you guys recommend a good air-powered grease gun? I hate wasting money on crappy tools!
Royce & Denise, MC #17410
'01 U320 4220 ISM450 Build #5895 SOLD
Toad: '10 Honda CR-V

Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. - Gustave Flaubert

Re: Lubricating the chassis

Reply #10 –
I use grease guns more than normal with two carwashes and farm equipment. I went through three Harbor Freight grease guns before buying a Lincoln gun. I think if I had bought the Lincoln first I would still be using the same gun. I use a lot of HF equipment but no more grease guns.
Jim Monk
1997 U270
East Texas

Re: Lubricating the chassis

Reply #11 –

Can't help you with an air powered gun but I'm extremely impressed with the Lincoln 1134 hand gun-

Amazon.com: Lincoln Lubrication 1134 Heavy Duty Pistol Grip Grease Gun with Whip

Their 1162 air powered gun seems to have gotten good reviews-

Amazon.com: Lincoln 1162 Air Operated Grease Gun: Automotive

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Robert
Build # 5304
1998 34' U270 Cummins 6CTA8.3

Re: Lubricating the chassis

Reply #12 –
The best grease gun for universal joints is a battery operated gun as it has very fast rapid fire, maybe continuous grease. With most air driven guns, there is a pause, almost like a manual gun.

U-Joints like to let grease out the bearing with the easiest path which prevents the tight bearing from oozing. With the electric battery gun the pumping in is faster than the oozing bearing so the tight bearings have a chance to see grease. With guns with pauses most of the grease takes the least resistance.

Re: Lubricating the chassis

Reply #13 –
You cant go wrong with a Lincolin grease gun. I've had a manual one for 20+ years. Works like a champ. I also have a Lincolin pneumatic gun that I used when I had trucks. Great tool.
I don't know about 25K between oil changes... For me it's not so much the mileage but time. Every day the temperature rises and falls. Leave a milk carton out with some liquid in it and see the condensation that builds up. I change my oil at least twice a year regardless of mileage. My trucks when I had them, I would change every 10K religiously. I got over a million miles out of more than one engine..
I guess to each there own but that's what works for me..
Andy 1989 U300 40'
 

Re: Lubricating the chassis

Reply #14 –
Thanks Guys. Yes, I am considering the Lincoln 1162.
Royce & Denise, MC #17410
'01 U320 4220 ISM450 Build #5895 SOLD
Toad: '10 Honda CR-V

Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. - Gustave Flaubert