Lubrication and Maintenance of Reese 5th Airborne Sidewinder Turret

Question:

I purchased this product from you in 2015. We’ve traveled over 10,000 miles with it on a 2010 Wildcat. It has always creaked and groaned when making a slow turn. Last fall on a trip in PA one of the four grade 8 bolts broke! I was able to back out the broken stud and replaced all four with new grade 8 bolts. But it still groans when making turns. I’ve loosed all bolts but the turret will not turn at all by hand. I’m afraid something is going to break again. What do you suggest?

asked by: Robert O

Expert Reply:

Thank you for your 2015 purchase of the Reese 5th Airborne Sidewinder and Turret # RP61422.

Hearing some noises from your Sidewinder pivoting pin box is normal, but after all those miles you may well need to service the unit. An article on this subject is linked.

The turret can be lubricated with white lithium grease like # L11354 as shown in the linked image taken from the Reese instructions. If you find substantial wear you might just consider installing a repair kit # RP94316. This includes the lithium grease as well as replacement parts.

It will not ever be easy to rotate the turret by hand since the fit of the components is quite snug.

expert reply by: Adam R