Lubrication for Windows / Aluminum

[Bartowski]

Hi all!

Have some windows (push open) that are a bit sticky, just wondering what everyone uses to lube up the aluminum on aluminum parts? I know WD40 is out as it collects dirt.

Just wondering if there is anything specific to Airstreams? Newbie question for sure, I appreciate the help!

[AWCHIEF]

I use a silicone spray on all locks, rubber gadgets and pretty much any place else that is sticking. Silicone spray is also a key to trouble free ZipDee awning operation.

If you do not ready have them I recommend Rich's two Airstream maintenance books.

https://store.airstreamlife.com/coll.../books-and-cds

[Protagonist]

For lubricating metal parts that can't get oily or collect dirt, I use Finish Line Dry Teflon bike chain lube:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U30TFAS...ing=UTF8&psc=1

Originally bought it for my bike (naturally), but now it sees a lot of use on my Airstream as well.

[Bartowski]

Thanks guys! Great suggestions!

[KK4YZ]

Originally Posted by Bartowski

Thanks guys! Great suggestions!

Sticky windows are sometimes caused by the window sticking to the rubber gasket. Be careful or you can shatter the glass by pushing too hard on it.
If that's the problem, you need to take a credit card or thin piece of plastic & run it between the gasket and the glass to free it up. Then clean the gasket and treat it with a product called Protectant 303 or something like that.

The silicone lube is perfect for all the aluminum parts, like awning rails. No Airstream should be without it.

[ekm217]

303 Lubricant that Rich Luhr mentions in The (nearly) complete guide to airstream maintenance. I too am a newbie, this is one of the first things i did, lube my gaskets. I see many using keys and credit cards to open windows, since lubing my gaskets ( i just like to say it), i have had zero issues! I am a believer!

[slowmover]

Inland Andy recommended silicone grease some years ago for seals. Won't work on everything, but better than aerosol in some instances.

[PatLee]

I think I remember one of Rich's Airstream maintenance books advising one to lay a strand of dental floss at bottom of windows - prevents rubber from sticking.

[BoscoMN]

I repurposed the tool that came in a Goo Be Gone sticker remover kit. We keep it in the kitchen drawer and use it whenever a window sticks (usually after we forget to wipe down the rubber with 303 Lubricant before the trip).

https://www.amazon.com/Goo-Gone-Stic...words=goo+gone

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....L._SL1200_.jpg

[alhamilton]

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

I use a silicone spray on all locks, rubber gadgets and pretty much any place else that is sticking. Silicone spray is also a key to trouble free ZipDee awning operation.

If you do not ready have them I recommend Rich's two Airstream maintenance books.

https://store.airstreamlife.com/coll.../books-and-cds

Does Rich's book cover my 75 Argosy 26'?

[AWCHIEF]

Originally Posted by alhamilton

Does Rich's book cover my 75 Argosy 26'?

They are nonspecific general manuals. I previously had a 1964 Bambi II and his first book was my bible. Using both of them has made my life much easier with 2006.

[Wayne&Sam]

I carry a plastic, disposable putty knife and use it to help open stuck windows. It hangs on one of the key hooks by the door.

[WestieHouse]

Originally Posted by Bartowski

Hi all!

Have some windows (push open) that are a bit sticky, just wondering what everyone uses to lube up the aluminum on aluminum parts? I know WD40 is out as it collects dirt.

Just wondering if there is anything specific to Airstreams? Newbie question for sure, I appreciate the help!

I use silicone as others have suggested. It works very well, and in my experience it is best used regularly to saturate the seals.

I also installed the window poppers recently discussed on the AS Forum. They are inexpensive (about $20 for four) and easy to install (5 minutes each). These are terrific! But I still keep the seals lubricated with silicone.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f454...et-132014.html

Good luck and safe travels!

[wave man]

I can vouch for the books, extremely good information for someone new to RVs let alone Airstreams, just read mine through cover to cover to start the info percolating

[AbbottAir]

Love all the suggestions...especially the Goo Gone scraper! It will be on the key hook on our next trip!

[MelGoddard]

Those 'lubes' and credit cards are not needed at all. Forget them.

After years of swearing at A.S. for not doing an 'obvious' thing;
I made some 'Window Pushers' to push the window away from the frame, so that I could then open them using the OEM handles.

For each assembly, I used a:
-One; 3/16" X 3-1/2" Pan headed bolt; NOT threaded to head. (The thread is about 3/4", and not required.)
-Two; #8 U.S.S. washers, (for each end of)...,
-1 ea; 1/4" x 1-1/4" spring.
-Two; rubber snubbers; one 3/16" to fit bolt end to protect window; One larger one to fit over bolt head to protect fingers.

Drill a suitable hole in the window frame using a #11 drill.
Large windows will require two Pushers, smaller ones only one.
It is possible to install them solo, but easier with two persons.


After I published this item on Forum, 'somebody' told us that there was a company in California who manufactured these things and sold them as "Window Poppers". Apparently for over $20 for two.

I prefer to solve problems myself.