General Lubrication Maintenance; Lubricants; Lubricant Classification - Monaco LaPalma Owner's Manual

GENERAL
LUBRICATION
MAINTENANCE

Lubricants

Lubricant
Classification
3 • 142
Performing regular scheduled maintenance ensures reliable operation and
optimum service life of the various chassis components. Completed maintenance
brings peace of mind knowing the various components have received proper
service. Failure to follow maintenance guidelines, or perform scheduled
maintenance, results in inefficient operation, premature component wear or
component failure resulting in breakdown.
Maintenance schedules are usually performed at certain mile or time
intervals. When performing high level procedures, lower level service should
also be performed.
NOTE: Maintenance schedules are based on normal operating
conditions and use. Operating under unusual or adverse
condition shortens service intervals.
NOTE: Engine and transmission service intervals are listed in their
respective manuals.
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.
Lubricants are manufactured in many forms for a variety of applications.
There are many different oil and grease consistencies each with a designed
application. To properly select a particular type of lubricant for a specific
application, 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: selecting 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.
Exterior & Interior Care
2004 • LaPalma