Fiamma F65 awning gearbox

[maison]

The 18month old awning on our motorhome has started to squeak a lot when winding in.

I know it is possible to replace the gearbox but is it possible to lubricate the mechanism with a silicone or PTFE lubricant to stop the squeak and “free it up”? I don’t want it to jam, or break, when away.

If so, how do you go about it.

 

[tonyidle]

Spray silicone in any little gap you can. the covers aren't hard to remove but if you need to ask you would probably prefer not to. First check the central guide roller - you wouldn't believe the squeak it can make. And it's easy to lubricate.

 

[maison]

Spray silicone in any little gap you can. the covers aren't hard to remove but if you need to ask you would probably prefer not to. First check the central guide roller - you wouldn't believe the squeak it can make. And it's easy to lubricate.

Yes, done all visible moving parts including the drive shaft input for the winding rod.

I can see how to remove the gearbox but was hoping to avoid having to by simply lubricating. The drive from the gearbox to the awning roller is linear and at 90 degrees to the access so getting any spray into there is problematic without removal.

 

[tonyidle]

Yes, done all visible moving parts including the drive shaft input for the winding rod.

I can see how to remove the gearbox but was hoping to avoid having to by simply lubricating. The drive from the gearbox to the awning roller is linear and at 90 degrees to the access so getting any spray into there is problematic without removal.

Was the central roller OK (not the one around which the awning is wound but a small diameter one around 100mm long that stops the centre of the fabric from sagging as it's wound in)? I can't imagine the gears themselves squeaking but the nylon bearings for the main awning roller are a possibility.

 

[maison]

Was the central roller OK (not the one around which the awning is wound but a small diameter one around 100mm long that stops the centre of the fabric from sagging as it's wound in)? I can't imagine the gears themselves squeaking but the nylon bearings for the main awning roller are a possibility.

Thanks.

I must admit I missed that one. Will spray it tomorrow.

I believe the gears are some form of plastic so what you say sounds right. At 18 months old the gearbox should be sound.

Many thanks for the suggestion.

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[Dorwyn]

I had a gearbox replaced before its first anniversary. Mostly because it wouldn't close properly, but it certainly did squeak. It's been ok-ish since but haven't tried it yet this year. In fact, I will tomorrow.