HWH Jacks

DailyDriver wrote:
When I was in college (eons ago) I worked in a factory that manufactured hydraulic cylinders. I ran grinders for the shafts, dipped them in the chrome vats, and polished the shafts after chroming. I can tell you that chrome is amazingly porous, and is quite susceptible to rust forming beneath the thin chrome veneer. I suspect that any problems with the jacks retracting may be due to a rough surface from slight corrosion forming. This can be removed with very fine steel wool, then apply a protective coating.

If you are going to have the jacks extended for any length of time, it would be advisable to coat them with something for corrosion protection. WD-40, other forms of silicone, ATF, motor oil, anything to coat the surface and prevent corrosion will eliminate problems. This is especially important in any humid or other environment that has a high corrosion potential. The molecular film of oil on the smooth surface after extending the jacks will last for a period of time, but eventually will need something to extend that protection.

While interesting, it does NOT apply to HWH cylinders. IF what you state is true, then lightly using steel wool would NOT cause the cylinder to retract. HOW do I know that? Because I am HWH factory trained and have had extensive conversations with HWH over the years about this problem. THEIR Engineers are the ones that have found and stated it is the inside seals that cause the problem, NOT a porous metal cylinder. IF what you state is true, then why does it take a floor jack under the Piston lifting it up and using the 10,000 lb plus motorhome pushing back to SLOWLY get the cylinder to fully retract? Yes, your last statement is correct. ALWAYS cycle your Jacks at least twice a month, even if not extended. Doug