Schwintek tracks: To Lube or Not to Lube

[jklbus01]

We just bought our Thor Windsport with a single wall slide out. I was told not to lubricate the Schwintek slide tracks. I have seen videos that talk about using a PTFE lube on the tracks.

So which is it? Do I lube the tracks or not?

[ghnl]

I use the PTFE lube on the sliding blocks. But not the racks where the gear meshes. That part I just keep clean.

[Jimbo57]

Originally Posted by ghnl

I use the PTFE lube on the sliding blocks. But not the racks where the gear meshes. That part I just keep clean.

Agreed do not lube in geared track but behind seal you can spray the PTFE lube on the drive mechanism and where the block slides. Do not use WD40 , white lithium , or grease that will attract dirt and gum up motors. Good luck with large Schwintec slides you’ll probably need it. The only things guaranteed in life are Death, taxes, and Schwintec failures

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by Jimbo57

Agreed do not lube in geared track but behind seal you can spray the PTFE lube on the drive mechanism and where the block slides. Do not use WD40 , white lithium , or grease that will attract dirt and gum up motors. Good luck with large Schwintec slides you’ll probably need it. The only things guaranteed in life are Death, taxes, and Schwintec failures

Lippert got lazy in their maintenance obstructions. They USED to recommend lubrication, but found people were using anything from used motor oil to Vaseline. So they probably just punished everyone including the idiots and said NO LUBE AT ALL.

PTFE doesn't attract dirt as all the above do. And as Jimbo said, you only need to lubricate the block and block slide rail, NOT the gear drive or gear track on the slide wall. I just use a dry brush to remove any dirt in the gear tracks.

Probably more important is keeping obstructions from under the slide when operating, and keep the motors synchronized by holding the button until the motors "amp out" at the end of the slides travel... BOTH in and out.

[Scubawise]

Originally Posted by Jimbo57

Agreed do not lube in geared track but behind seal you can spray the PTFE lube on the drive mechanism and where the block slides. Do not use WD40 , white lithium , or grease that will attract dirt and gum up motors. Good luck with large Schwintec slides you’ll probably need it. The only things guaranteed in life are Death, taxes, and Schwintec failures

Not true. Large slide no issues.
4 years. 33k miles

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by Scubawise

Not true. Large slide no issues.
4 years. 33k miles

Uh oh Scubie... you might have jinxed yourself!

I did everything "correctly" and meticulously for four years... then one day the clunk, clunk, clunk unmistakable sound of a Schwintek motor which popped up out of it's retaining collar.

As added insurance you might want to take one of the set screws out from outside which is SUPPOSED to prevent the motor from twisting. Get an ever so slightly longer stainless steel replacement... one for each motor.

[Scubawise]

Originally Posted by Chateau_Nomad

Uh oh Scubie... you might have jinxed yourself!

I did everything "correctly" and meticulously for four years... then one day the clunk, clunk, clunk unmistakable sound of a Schwintek motor which popped up out of it's retaining collar.

As added insurance you might want to take one of the set screws out from outside which is SUPPOSED to prevent the motor from twisting. Get an ever so slightly longer stainless steel replacement... one for each motor.

I won't be surprised if I did

[Scubawise]

Originally Posted by Chateau_Nomad

Uh oh Scubie... you might have jinxed yourself!

I did everything "correctly" and meticulously for four years... then one day the clunk, clunk, clunk unmistakable sound of a Schwintek motor which popped up out of it's retaining collar.

As added insurance you might want to take one of the set screws out from outside which is SUPPOSED to prevent the motor from twisting. Get an ever so slightly longer stainless steel replacement... one for each motor.

Good suggestion going on 11 days camping trip in couple days. Will take extra screws!

[ArcticGPS]

I use dry PTFE lube on all friction points. Rollers and gear meshes. Everything rolls smoothly, no strain on the motors. Also, always make sure you have a window open when you slide so you can balance the change in air volume.

[Jimbo57]

Originally Posted by Scubawise

Not true. Large slide no issues.
4 years. 33k miles

On my Schwintek is a 3track and I got tried of watching one side start the other side try to catch up. I always counted to 5 after motors stop making noise, 40% of the time it took multiple times to open or close. So only 20’ slide just got replaced with Vroom slide, now I both sides move even, I can stop and start as needed . For me it was a peace of mind but I still have bedroom slide and overhead drop down that are Schwintek. Just for info I bought it used and don’t have any idea how previous owner took care it.

[cgeace29.3]

I lube mine twice a year with slide lube. If you keep them clean and free of any debris, there is no issue lubing the slides.

[Lt Keefer]

I clean the tracks with an old tooth brush and brake cleaner. Then I spray the tracks with a dry lube.

[Ret.Crpntr]

My slides were making loud cracking sounds while driving. A few squirts of ptfe behind the seals where the gears,blocks and wheels are that the slide rolls on eliminated the noise……..WD makes a flexible straw ( on another one of their products) that I use to put the Teflon right where it needs to be.