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Topic: Slide clunking noise while driving. (Read 707 times) previous topic - next topic

Slide clunking noise while driving.

I am wanting to say I read a post some time back about some adjustments that could be done. No luck finding what I remember in old threads.

First let me say, my slide works exactly as it should, no issues at all with operation, slide or bladder. The last time or two we have taken it out, we are getting this what sounds like a light clunking noise coming from in/around the slide as we are going down the road. If I move the slide out, and bring it back in, for a while it will get quiet, but not too long before it starts again. Any feedback appreciated.
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918

Re: Slide clunking noise while driving.

Reply #1 –
Possible bushing?  See these topics:

Rattle in wall 2001- U320 40'

2001 Slide Rattle

Rubber seals in slide locks!

Note that a 2001 will have a different slide mechanism than a 2002 (which will have a train) and then 2003 forward has yet a different slide mechanism.
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: Slide clunking noise while driving.

Reply #2 –
Michelle, thank you
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918

Re: Slide clunking noise while driving.

Reply #3 –
Can't describe how loud mine was last trip. Lubed the forward upper pin and resolved completely
Scott

Re: Slide clunking noise while driving.

Reply #4 –
Yes, about 3rd comment Ive read about lubing, to I think I am going to try and lube them before next week's trip and see what if anything improves.
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918

Re: Slide clunking noise while driving.

Reply #5 –
Quote from: mkc1962 –
Yes, about 3rd comment Ive read about lubing, to I think I am going to try and lube them before next week's trip and see what if anything improves.
So I did up in Michigan after suffering for many miles on I40 . I used what was available and need to go back and clean out so the drain tubes for water dont get plugged with grease. May try my dry lube there also. The newer years have a nylon bushing  but ours is just aluminum.

Re: Slide clunking noise while driving.

Reply #6 –
I did as most suggested, that being to try and lube the pin locking blocks. In the process of doing that came to find out that one of my pin blocks was not even present in its intended place. (front bottom) figured it would be safe to travel, but would have thought about it our entire trip.

Stayed up late last night to work on. Removed the sofa and found this. Front bottom block was completed torn away from its mounting plate. The aluminum block itself screws to a thick carbon steel plate (3/8"+), which in turn is welded to a thin carbon 1/8" plate that is secured to the base of the slide frame. It appears the intent was to run a weld down both sides of where the two carbon pieces meet. Problem with this one was only about a 3/16' or less section of one side was actually a solid weld (small red circle in the 1st picture). The deposited material as well as the thick base were both rusted where the weld penetration should have been. Cleaned it all up and properly welded, painted, installed using Sikaflex sealant around the  hole. Took for a short drive this morning while fueling up for our trip. At the moment I dont hear that recent slide noise. Later today on the road will tell for sure.

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https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=dlattach;sa=tmpattach;attach=post_tmp_7956_75f69104428be9cf7a6139df9b3b7f4b;topic=45466



https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=dlattach;sa=tmpattach;attach=post_tmp_7956_bbb799f01022292136aa78519fc488c8;topic=45466
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918

Re: Slide clunking noise while driving.

Reply #7 –
Glad you found the problem. Looks like whoever welded that at the factory failed to preheat the thicker steel prior to welding, as there is little to no penetration of the thick stock. Lack of experience/training with a new hire most likely, but simple complacency a possibility.  Never ending issue everywhere. 
2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold

Re: Slide clunking noise while driving.

Reply #8 –
Quote from: mkc1962 –
Stayed up late last night to work on. Removed the sofa and found this. Front bottom block was completed torn away from its mounting plate. The aluminum block itself screws to a thick carbon steel plate (3/8"+), which in turn is welded to a thin carbon 1/8" plate that is secured to the base of the slide frame. It appears the intent was to run a weld down both sides of where the two carbon pieces meet. Problem with this one was only about a 3/16' or less section of one side was actually a solid weld (small red circle in the 1st picture). The deposited material as well as the thick base were both rusted where the weld penetration should have been. Cleaned it all up and properly welded, painted, installed using Sikaflex sealant around the  hole. Took for a short drive this morning while fueling up for our trip. At the moment I dont hear that recent slide noise. Later today on the road will tell for sure.


Great follow-up and photos!  Those will definitely help someone in the future, so thank you for posting them  ^.^d
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: Slide clunking noise while driving.

Reply #9 –
It might be worth taking a close look at the other block to see if it also suffers from a cold weld.  Look for cracks in the paint along the bead on the block and then, scrape the paint off that area and check the weld itself for cracks/rust where the weld should penetrate the block.
Looking for a Foretravel 
Current RV: 2009 Tiffin Allegro 32BA

Re: Slide clunking noise while driving.

Reply #10 –
Quote from: BrAndT –
It might be worth taking a close look at the other block to see if it also suffers from a cold weld.  Look for cracks in the paint along the bead on the block and then, scrape the paint off that area and check the weld itself for cracks/rust where the weld should penetrate the block.
I did it was just fine.
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918

Re: Slide clunking noise while driving.

Reply #11 –
Well I wasn't expecting that, good find. I can only imagine the repair costs if you had taken it in to repair. I agreed to look at a coworker Monaco Knight (junk) generator and today I had to move to a different parking spot. No lock pins on that fine piece of equipment, its got manual expandable shower rods to hold the slide closed. I couldn't believe it

Re: Slide clunking noise while driving.

Reply #12 –
Quote from: dsd –
Well I wasn't expecting that, good find. I can only imagine the repair costs if you had taken it in to repair. I agreed to look at a coworker Monaco Knight (junk) generator and today I had to move to a different parking spot. No lock pins on that fine piece of equipment, its got manual expandable shower rods to hold the slide closed. I couldn't believe it

Agree did not expect to find such but was an easy fix if one has the tools to do so. Like we've spoken, highly unlikely I'd ever let another touch my stuff....but  not sure id ever try to remove an entire slide, mainly as don't have the heavy toys you do.
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918

Re: Slide clunking noise while driving.

Reply #13 –
Quote from: dsd –
Well I wasn't expecting that, good find. I can only imagine the repair costs if you had taken it in to repair. I agreed to look at a coworker Monaco Knight (junk) generator and today I had to move to a different parking spot. No lock pins on that fine piece of equipment, its got manual expandable shower rods to hold the slide closed. I couldn't believe it

Agree did not expect to find such but was an easy fix if one has the tools to do so. Like we've spoken, highly unlikely I'd ever let another touch my stuff....but  not sure id ever try to remove an entire slide, mainly as don't have the heavy toys you do.

Shower rod?.... wow that took severe guts or total lack of sense to think it would hold. Amazing what some folks try.
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918