5th Airborne Air Ride Pinbox with Sidewinder Pops When Turret Turns
Question:
I HAVE THE 5TH. AIRBORNE AIR RIDE AND IT POPS WITH ANY MOVEMENT RIGHT WHERE IT SWIVELS ON THE TRAILER WHAT DO I NEED TO LOOK FOR AS THE PROBLEM AND IS IT SAFE TO PULL
asked by: ROBERT B
Expert Reply:
This is a fairly common occurrence. The popping sound you hear happens when either the turret bolts have been over tightened or if the wear surfaces are in need of lubrication.
You will need to remove the unit from the pin box, and remove the turret bolts, and the retaining plate and ring. You can then remove the turret. Apply some aerosol white lithium grease to the bearing surfaces, and then reassemble and retorque the turret bolts to the rating mentioned in the installation instructions. The pin box can then be reinstalled on the fifth wheel.
Once this is completed, your Sidewinder is perfectly safe to use. I would not recommend pulling for long distances until you can get this done.
If you click on the link I provided and fast forward to the 1:10 mark, you can see a video showing how the turret is removed from the unit, and where exactly you need to spray the lubricant.
