Monaco 2008 LaPalma XL, Owner'S Manual

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chassIs InformatIon — 10
21
2 0 0 8 l a Pa l m a X l
CAUTION:
Properly dispose of used antifreeze
and waste oil. Animals like the sweet
odor of antifreeze and may ingest it if
left in open containers. Wipe up any
fluid spills. Pets may lie in puddles of
fluid, many of which are irritants and
can cause severe chemical burns if not
properly washed.
Lubricant Classification:
Lubricants are manufactured in many forms for
a variety of applications. Different oil and grease
consistencies are each designed with a specific
application. To properly select a particular type
of lubricant, the component must be evaluated.
Component stress loads, ambient temperature,
working temperature and environmental
exposure are just a few of the variables to
consider. Select the proper lubricant for its
intended application. As an example: using high
viscosity grease to lubricate a lock cylinder
results in sluggish lock cylinder operation,
especially in a cool environment.
Conversely,
using graphite to lubricate a component that is
under extreme temperature and load will result
in component failure.
Grease ratings and their base compounds are
especially important. Some grease compounds
are manufactured for multi-use application.
These are acceptable if the grease rating
is in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommended lubricant type and rating.
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 resulting in
component malfunction or failure.
INSPECTION
When performing any scheduled
maintenance, inspect the area around
where you are working. For example,
when changing the oil, inspect the rear
differential for 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.