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Topic: Hard to slide side windows. (Read 732 times) previous topic - next topic

Hard to slide side windows.

OK, I need some ideas. I've tried cleaning the dirt from the tracks and then using silicone to lubricate them. They are still too tight. I've thought of removing each pane and shaving the plastic trim. around the glass. Or seeing if I can raise the upper track or lower the lower track...doesn't look possible. Also thought of using a "jack" to spread the upper and lower tracks a just little....though the fixed pane might not like that.
Any suggestions from the group - other than trade coaches.
Jim
2002 U320 42'
Jim Frerichs
2002 U320 42'

Side windows. are difficult to slide

Reply #1 –
I need advice about how to make the sliding windows move easier. I have tried cleaning the tracks well, using silicone lubrication and even thought about shaving the plastic around the glass pane. They are really tight.
Any suggestions from the forum - besides trading coaches?
Jim
2002 U320 42'
Jim Frerichs
2002 U320 42'

Re: Hard to slide side windows.

Reply #2 –
Here is my suggestion.  It addresses two potential problems in one swell foop.

Remove the windows, install new gaskets and when you reinstall the windows, DO NOT over tighten the screws that hold the inner frame to the outer.  This will allow the windows to slide easier.  I think if you just loosen the screws without replacing the gasket, you will end up with a bad seal.

The window has round corners and the hole in the wall is square.  Over time, the gasket compresses, shrinks in length and pulls back at the corners.  You can check to see how much they have shrunk by using a very thin putty knife or feeler gauge at the corners. It should not slide in more than about an 1/4 of an inch.  Compare it to the flat sides.

I found several of mine had pulled back enough that they no longer sealed the corners.  It took me about 90-120 minutes to remove, prep and reinstall with a new gasket. You can buy the gasket from Xtreme by the foot.

Hope this helps,

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Hard to slide side windows.

Reply #3 –
[merged 2 identical topics]
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Hard to slide side windows.

Reply #4 –
Jim,

If you do go down the route of uninstalling/re-installing the windows, this is the gasket material that I have used.
Rubber D-Shaped Seal, EPDM Rubber, .750 in. W x .375 in. H, General Acrylic...

Our coach already had a rubber gasket on the original window installation. The hardest part was removing the old gasket from the window frame. The window frame has about 25 screws that clamp the wall of the coach. I did take care to not tighten the screws too much. I did not specifically try to slide the window before, uninstalled, and after. If the window was sliding too tight after uninstalling, I would try some sort of wedge to open the slide. Perhaps a call to FOT or Motion windows for ideas?
Bruce & Linda
2004 U295, Build # 6268, ISL400 CAPS
2016 Ford Explorer Sport or 1985 Jeep CJ7
 

Re: Hard to slide side windows.

Reply #6 –
Jig-a-Loo has worked well for me for years.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R