Fontaine
®
Fifth Wheel Handbook
17
Section IV –
Inspection and
Maintenance Procedures
Lubrication
recommended every 6 weeks or 15,000 miles
Follow the instructions provided in the Pre-Service
Procedure, section B, on page 10 of this handbook.
Special precautions must be taken during cold
weather to ensure that the Fontaine 3000 Series
locking mechanism operates freely. Ice and sludge
can built up and lubricants become thick and
binding at low temperatures.
When the temperature drops below freezing,
Fontaine recommends use of a cleaner or degreaser
on the latching mechanism, making sure that the
moving parts operate freely. This should be followed
by an application of 90-weight oil to all moving
parts. This procedure may also be necessary in
operations where excessive road grime or grit is
encountered.
Inspections and Adjustments
Perform every 90 days or 30,000 miles
Using a suitable solvent, degrease the fifth wheel
and mounting brackets and inspect for:
1. Cracks in the fifth wheel assembly, mounting
brackets, and mounting parts.
2. Wear and/or damage to moving parts.
3. Correct placement of the handle clip.
4. Loose nuts and bolts in the fifth wheel and in the
mounting hardware.
5. Securely fastened and properly working springs.
6. Check to see if both bracket pins are in place
and secured by retainer pins and cotter pins.
