Gas locker hinges/cupboard stay lubrication

[Canalsman]

I have recently acquired my first motorhome - a 1999 Elddis Autostratus.

I need advice on how to lubricate the hinges of the gas locker, and the spring loaded stays that hold the internal top hinged cupboard doors open ...

I have tried WD40, silicon spray and light machine oil on the gas locker hinges - but the hinges just won't ease off.

Some of the cupboard stays squeal/shriek when opened and closed, and again I cannot find a satisfactory way to quieten them. Light oil seems to help - but isn't perfect.

Suggestions please!

Thanks.

 

[Pioneer]

Welcome to the site and enjoy.
Use a thin smear of vaselene on the cupboard stays to quieten, and if you can strip the gas cupboard hinges down, clean the inside of the hinges with a light wire wool and lube with vaselene. The hinges will possibly be corroded from lack of maintenance

Happy Camping

 

[l77 tuf]

olive oil or veg oil will work also mate

 

[Canalsman]

Many thanks for the suggestions - I'll investigate tomorrow.

I looked at hinge removal but I think they are rivetted and screwed in place ...

Surely screws would have been sufficient ...

 

[rickboy]

Not WD40

WD40 is good stuff ,but its a water dispersant hence WD not a great lubricant for long (it evaporates).
Your gas locker hinges may have knock out pins .The plastic end cover will have to be prised off.Then punch the pins out and clean them.Lubricate with waterprof grease (usually white).Knock the pins back in,replace plastic end cover ."simples".
Trying to free it off from the outside is often not possible.If they are just a little tight or for maintance a spray lubricant may work.

Rick

 

[Canalsman]

Yes there are plastic end covers - one intact, one broken.

I will try driving the pins out with a punch tomorrow ...

 

[rickboy]

Plastic end cap

Try to replace the missing cap to keep water out.Anything waterproof will do,best put the origonal ones on top where they show .Knocking the pins out seem extream I know but it the best perminant fix.Good luck.
Rick

 

[biggirafe]

Try to replace the missing cap to keep water out.Anything waterproof will do,best put the origonal ones on top where they show .Knocking the pins out seem extream I know but it the best perminant fix.Good luck.
Rick

Word of warning here, I did this recently, don't get carried away with the hammer, its all aluminium and will 'work harden' quite quickly and crack if you are not careful. If after a few firm knocks its not moving I would encourage caution and stop If you need to stop and you can get the door off you may be able to imerse the door hinge in petrol and work the hinge to clean it out. Then you can work in some easing oil like 3 in 1 until its well lubricated. Its not ideal but worked for me

 

[Canalsman]

Removed caps, tried to shift hinge pins - no go!

I've left some light oil in the hinge pin recesses to see what happens overnight.

I took the door off to see if that would help, but the hinges are unbelievably stiff.

I think new hinges are the answer really.

Do you think these are still available for a 1999 Elddis? Or are they still in common use?

 

[Canalsman]

Just found some info on motorhomefacts.com that seems to indicate that these hinges are made by Ellbee Ltd in Leeds.

I'll give them a ring tomorrow ...

 

[rickboy]

Soak

Lets hope the soaking in oil works for you.Please dont split them then curse me.

 

[otis the staffy]

hinge problem

hi same prob 2 years ago fine drill in rivets remove door separate hinge find drill size pass through female part of hinge which reams slightly re assemble fix with self tapping screwws end of problem hope this helps

 

[Canalsman]

I can certainly remove the existing hinges.

But I don't know that I'll be able to split the two parts ...

I need to use a vice, I think, but I don't have one.

I suppose hot water might help.

Any suggestions?

 

[otis the staffy]

re hinge

hionce door is removed hold female part in molegrips gently tease apart with side to side turning they will part

 

[Canalsman]

hionce door is removed hold female part in molegrips gently tease apart with side to side turning they will part

Result!

I found that by holding each hinge with vicegrips (with a bit of card wrapped round to save the finish), then rotating continually clockwise, the pin slowly wound itself out.

Anti-clockwise for some reason did absolutely nothing.

The pin seats within a nylon bush - so why do they seize?

No rust present at all ...

I reamed out the bush with an oversize drill bit, put vaseline on the pin, and reassembled.

Perfection!

Thanks for the advice everyone.