Quote:
Originally Posted by larrygiordano
Actually they don't, but I was thinking the same thing. they don't look fully engaged. No missing or broken teeth. I am hesitant to replace them if it wont change anything.
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There is a reason why one side is moving in "misaligned" from the other side.
"In theory" the motor drives the side that it is attached to, the transverse torque tube drives the other side. "In theory" when the motor drive side extends or retracts 1 gear tooth, the torque tube "forces the follower side to move 1 tooth". So, if the two rams are not correctly aligned, it means one side "skipped a tooth or two"... And, if there's a 6" to 8" difference, that means one side "skipped a tooth or two more than just once".....
You have an "ongoing problem" with one of the two gear packs "skipping a tooth or two on a consistent basis.
The first thing I'd do is disconnect one side of the transverse torque tube and then count the gears on the ram from the exterior side of the ram (furthest from the trailer) and turn one or the other rams so that both rams have the same number of teeth "from the gear pack to the end of the ram"... Then reconnect the torque tube and see what happens. If the "drive gear jumps a tooth" you will feel it as a "jolt to the slide" as it's moving.
There are three means by which the gear pack is held against the top of the ram (forcing the gears to remain meshed)...
1. There is a plastic tab on the top of the ram housing that pushes down on the ram, keeping it from jumping up and skipping a tooth.
2. The gearpack has two plastic wheels, one on each side of the spur gear that is attached to the torque tube. If those wheels are worn or damaged (mine split and was "wobbling on the shaft" which caused my gearpack to skip a tooth),,,
3. Slide alignment is the third consideration. If the wear bar is too high (slide misaligned) the slide "riding up onto the wear bar" can lift the ram away from the gearpack drive gear, causing wear on that plastic tab on the top of the ram housing.
Here is a link to the Lippert support page link for inspecting, replacing and modifying the gearpack and that plastic tab:
https://lci-support-doc.s3.amazonaws...cd-0002436.pdf
The photo of the gear pack has the washer mod identified in red.
ADDED: From looking at your photos, it appears that someone has already done the "Skipping teeth update" as there are washers already under your to plastic wear tab. That would indicate to me that the problem is "ongoing" not "new". Why is that important? If the outer arm assembly/inner arm assembly are bent, damaged or worn, you may wind up having to replace the rams (one or both). If you do that, I'd strongly recommend that you also replace the gear packs so you're starting with a reliable, not worn slide drive mechanism.