Module 1: No-Slack® Preventive Maintenance
Lubrication
Periodically remove the fifth wheel to clean old grease from the bracket grease channels to help insure an even grease distribution of fresh grease.
Special precautions should be taken during cold weather to ensure that the Fontaine No-Slack® locking mechanisms operate freely. Ice and sludge can build up and lubricants become thick and binding at low temperatures. When the temperature drops below freezing, Fontaine recommends a thorough cleaning of the latching mechanism using a suitable cleaner or degreaser to make sure that all moving parts operate freely. Lubricate the fifth wheel prior to opening and closing. Grease the jaw and wedge on top and bottom. Separate the jaw and wedge with a large screwdriver and distribute the grease along the full length of the jaw and wedge mating surfaces. Open and close the fifth wheel several times to further distribute the grease.
Fontaine suggests you lubricate grease channels in the top plate using a lithium complex grease, suitable for use in high pressure applications. Areas or regions that experience extreme and/or prolonged freezing temperatures should consider using a less viscous substance such as: 90-weight oil, diesel fuel, kerosene, motor oil, etc. Doing so will help ensure proper movement / lubrication of the latching mechanism. Fontaine suggests contacting your specific lubricant manufacturer for guidelines on mixing compatibility of any lubricant. In cold weather applications please refer to technical bulletin TB-008. Technical bulletins are available at fifthwheel.com under support menu.
The regular performance of the routine, "90-Day/ 30,000 Mile Preventative Maintenance Procedure," is also recommended.
Skip this step if you are using models with bracket liners.
1. Tilt the top plate forward (front of the fifth wheel down) and apply grease to each bearing area through the zerk fittings (No-Slack® 6000/7000/7000CC/E7000 has two fittings each side) located on each side of the top plate just to the front and rear of the bracket pins. Continue to apply grease until it is coming out of the back of the bearing. It may be necessary to raise the rear of the fifth wheel with a pry bar to open up the pocket slightly and allow the grease to flow through. A substantial amount of grease may be required initially to fill the reservoir. Tilt the wheel to the rear (rear of the wheel down) and repeat the procedure. Rock the top plate back and forth several times to spread the grease over the bearing surface.
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