Holiday Trip 2012, Owner'S Manual

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2012 Trip
Lubricants:
Many chassis components require
lubrication. The types of lubricants used will
vary with the application of the component.
A component may fail prematurely due to
lack of lubrication or from using an incorrect
lubricant type. The component manufacturer
usually recommends a particular type of
lubricant with a minimum approval rating.
Most lubricants are tested under strict
guidelines set by the ASTM (American
Society for Testing and Materials). The NLGI
(National Lubricating Grease Institute) helps
disperse information to the grease production
industry.
Grease containers usually have an approval
rating by the SAE (Society of Automotive
Engineers), Mil Spec (Military Specification),
API (American Petroleum Institute) or by
other recognized and accepted organizations.
The correct lubricant type with an approved
specific rating must be used whenever
applying, changing or adding any lubricant.
When purchasing lubricants for a specific
application be sure the label affirms the type of
lubricant required with the tested rating by the
term “meets or exceeds” in accordance with
the manufacturer specifications.
Lubricating greases are made from different
base compounds giving the grease different
lubricating consistencies, properties and
maximum operating temperatures. Most
containers list the base compound and
maximum operating temperature usually listed
as melting point or drip point. Lubricating
components, such as brake component for
example, require a high temperature special
base compound grease.
Lubricating this type of component with
other than specified grease type will result in
inadequate lubricating qualities and component
malfunction or failure.
INSPECTION:
When performing any scheduled
maintenance, inspect the area around
the work area. For example, changing
the oil, look at the rear differential.
Inspect for visual signs of fluid leaks.
Most fluids and lubricants have a distinct
odor, which can be used to detect early signs of
trouble. Generally, odors are most detectable
soon after parking. Unusual sounds are another
method of detecting a problem early. There
are many types of sounds that are normal,
such as the cyclic purging of the air dryer.
Become familiar with the different sounds.
If something sounds odd, smells peculiar or
looks unusual, investigate the situation.
Greasing:
Thoroughly clean all Zerk grease fittings
before applying new lubricant. Keep paper
towels or disposable rags handy when
greasing. When lubricating items such as drive
shafts and steer axle components, continued
grease application is generally required until
new grease appears at exit points.
Some items use sealed boots around the
component to prevent moisture intrusion.
When greasing these types of components,
care must be given to prevent excess lubricant
pressure from rupturing the seal.
WARNING:
Always chock wheels before going
underneath the motorhome.
WARNING:
DO NOT allow anyone under the
motorhome without first properly
blocking frame (jackstands) from
coming down in case of rapid deflation
of air system.
Brake actuating components require
lubrication to keep the actuating components
freely operating. Avoid contaminating brake
linings with lubricant. Particular care and
attention to detail should be taken when
lubricating brake actuating components. Wheel
removal may be necessary to gain access to the
grease fittings.
NOTE:
Suspension, steering, brake and
drivetrain components are lubricated
at factory using NLGI 2 Lithium Soap
based grease.
To apply grease:
Clean the grease fitting. Initially
operate grease gun until new lubricant
discharges from nozzle, then wipe
nozzle clean to avoid introducing
contaminants into the component.
Snap nozzle onto grease fitting. Nozzle
must remain in line with the grease
fitting during the application process. If
the nozzle is not in line, lubricant will
collect around nozzle and grease fitting,
failing to lubricate the component.
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