Question about 5th Wheel Release Arm.

Fair enough. Especially if the shop won't do it. I personally think it's silly unless the jaws or plate itself is damaged or the parts aren't available.

 

I'm with @strollinruss on this. While a rebuild kit and a good cleaning may make it last a while longer, a whole new getup will make you feel a lot better about life. Peace of mind is priceless. At least to me.

 

I've also heard of shops that won't rebuild them. I guess they don't want the liability, should something bad happen.

It's faster to replace the whole thing anyway. Unbolt, lift, set new one on, bolt, grease, and get back to trailer-truckin.

 

The cynical part of me is thinking they don't rebuild because they make more money selling you a new 5th wheel, and then 'disposing' of the old for you at the scrap yard.

 

All the fifth wheel manufactures recommend rebuilding them around 300k-500k but almost no one follows that maintenance routine. Most companies just spread more grease on them and let them go until there is a problem and blame the driver.

Which is usually the problem. Excess grease traps dirt and water, and that is what freezes up. It turns the grease into some tar/asphalt like concoction and binds up the mechanism. Scrape the crapy grease out and they go back to working. Has happened to me a dozen times.

You only need enough grease to fill the groves on the top plate and a little in the jaw; anything more is not only a waste, but a mess, and asking for problems.

 

http://www.truckinginfo.com/article/story/2009/06/crud-catcher-fifth-wheel-maintenance.aspx

 

That's good you haven't had any more problems.I would still keep a close eye on it.