Forum Discussion

jomarex's avatar
jomarex
Explorer
Nov 26, 2016

how to fix? major wear of rack & pinion electric slide

Finally realized all the jumping and jerking of the slideout in this rv really isn't normal. I can see on the underside of the slideout that the "rack" is pretty chewed up.

I *think* this would be the rack & pinion system ??

The last time I brought the slideout in, it actually slid halfway back out all by itself! Had to tow it a few more miles, and that was scary, thinking it might jump out and hit a car...

Not having any luck at all trying to find info on this tiny phone screen.

How do I even start to take things apart and figure out what parts to buy? I've never done *anything* to a slideout. Have fixed lots of other systems, but I don't even know how to start this...

It's a 2007 Palomino Puma 25RKS

TIA
Joy
  • jomarex's avatar
    jomarex
    Explorer
    Nov 26, 2016
    This is a living room slide (the only slide) with only the couch in it.
    The motor is directly under the middle of the couch platform.
  • garyemunson's avatar
    garyemunson
    Explorer II
    Nov 26, 2016
    X2 on broken pinion tooth. That would explain the slide moving out on it's own if the pinion stopped where there was a tooth missing that should have been engaged with the rack. Could also explain the rack getting chewed up as the 'mesh' would not be right each time the missing tooth passed the rack. As long as you are on a level surface the slide shouldn't go anywhere when you remove the drive motor/gear assembly. Is this slide a bedroom with the drive unit under a panel under the bed?
  • jomarex's avatar
    jomarex
    Explorer
    Nov 26, 2016
    I can imagine some gear teeth being broken - ??
    I have seen mention of supporting the slideout before working on it, but I'm so ignorant I figure I'd get trapped in there somehow. ..
  • jomarex's avatar
    jomarex
    Explorer
    Nov 26, 2016
    This is looking up at the bottom of the slide, from the outside.

  • Fireballsocal's avatar
    Fireballsocal
    Explorer
    Nov 26, 2016
    I would think the slideout must have some tracks on top to keep the rack forced down on the pinion gear. Look up top for another rack or some tracks and make sure they are aligned correctly. Sorry for the vague post but no actual experience with the problem you are having.
  • Huntindog's avatar
    Huntindog
    Explorer
    Nov 26, 2016
    jomarex wrote:
    Finally realized all the jumping and jerking of the slideout in this rv really isn't normal. I can see on the underside of the slideout that the "rack" is pretty chewed up.

    I *think* this would be the rack & pinion system ??

    The last time I brought the slideout in, it actually slid halfway back out all by itself! Had to tow it a few more miles, and that was scary, thinking it might jump out and hit a car...

    Not having any luck at all trying to find info on this tiny phone screen.

    How do I even start to take things apart and figure out what parts to buy? I've never done *anything* to a slideout. Have fixed lots of other systems, but I don't even know how to start this...

    It's a 2007 Palomino Puma 25RKS

    TIA
    Joy
    I have never heard of a rack failure like you are describing.... We need pics for sure.
    Gotta figure out why it failed.

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