Slide issue - broken gear in gearbox?

[Rich W.]

The slide was working fine when we got here but then during a wind event last night I tried to bring it in to protect the topper and it would only move in about 1/4 of the way, and then start making a rather unpleasant banging noise.

On inspection, moving it in and out, it seems that there is a gear skipping broken tooth?) because the motor runs, and the shaft stops, just making its banging noise. I can assist it in with a pair of channel locks on the torque thrust bushing nut.

Also of note is the oil seeping out of the bottom of the gear box. I’ve read about a lot of Newmar slide issues, but I don’t recall hearing about this one. All motor mount bolts are tight. Ideas, thoughts, insights?

I have an appointment in Nappane in November - kind of a long time to limp along with this issue. This is the drivers side rear slide (bedroom) on a 4 slide model.
Thanks

 

[Neal]

Maybe a mobile tech can help you?

 

[Rich W.]

Maybe a mobile tech can help you?

I guess I can order a gear box and do the R&R. Not that big a job but I’m getting to the point where I’d like to stop wrenching. I’m hoping someone else has experienced this and can tell me conclusively that I’m on the right track.

I checked with Newmar about the mobile tech in this area and they said he was booked for months, but I can call again. Maybe he has one of these gear boxes on his truck. I’ll call in the morning.

 

[Rich W.]

I’m tempted to take it apart and inspect it but if it has, for instance, a broken gear, it may not want to go back together and I really don’t want to disble it 600 miles from home.

 

[Neemer]

Rich, the oil you are seeing is not uncommon. There is grease in the gearbox that will liquefy (for lack of a better term) over time, especially in warmer climes. Sometimes you can tighten those screws and stop it. Every slide motor/gearbox I had in my 2005 had that.

 

[lostinfla]

I wouldn't recommend taking the gear box apart. There are quite a few reduction gear sets in there with shims that decide to move around on disassembly. Took my old one apart to see what was in there, and it's a pretty complicated gearing system. Don't think I'd ever get it back together to work again. I ended up ordering one from Newmar ($$$) and replacing the unit. BTW, there are quite a few different ones Newmar uses, so make sure you give them your coach number to get the right unit.

 

[Rich W.]

I wouldn't recommend taking the gear box apart. There are quite a few reduction gear sets in there with shims that decide to move around on disassembly. Took my old one apart to see what was in there, and it's a pretty complicated gearing system. Don't think I'd ever get it back together to work again. I ended up ordering one from Newmar ($$$) and replacing the unit. BTW, there are quite a few different ones Newmar uses, so make sure you give them your coach number to get the right unit.

I gave up on repairs, caved in and ordered a complete unit - $800+, and will replace it when I get home. At least I can still close the slide by helping it along. I’ll discect the old one to find out what happened to it, but I’m finding there is no source for replacement parts to make repairs. I’m sure its less costly and logistically more convenient to just manufacture complete units, and then they can sell you extra stuff you don’t need and wouldn’t otherwise purchase. I read one account of someone having a gear milled by a capable relative, but if you contracted with a machine shop it would be cost prohibitive. The pic shows a drive gear missing some teeth which seems to be a common problem. It will be a few weeks, but when I inspect mine I’ll post some pics here.

 

[lostinfla]

Actually if I remember correctly, one of the gears is made of nylon/plastic. There were at least 5 different gears in mine. Should have taken a pic before I tossed it.

 

[Rich W.]

Mine is a “straight through” basic design and I think it only has two gears. Some of the designs are clearly more complicated with additional gear reduction. This one is for a small slide - probably the smallest and least complicated model.

They also used to sell repair kits for certain units with some gears and other parts, but I got that tidbit from reading old forums from over ten years ago. It seems they have simplified the process now with Klauber manufacturing Newmar specific complete (and expensive) units. There are other units out there that would probably work but I don’t want to get involved in modifying or improvising.

Also when I replace mine I’ll readjust the control module to ensure its shutting off correctly. It should only close firmly enough to engage the locks and not put enough strain on the gear box to break gears. The controller was replaced by La Mesa in Davis, Ca, and its possible they didn’t adjust it correctly. One more thing to check.

 

[lostinfla]

Well, I didn't toss it after all.