Forum Discussion

dsisemore1's avatar
dsisemore1
Explorer II
Dec 22, 2020

Hydraulic leak on room slideout

I have an HWH Spacemaker room slideout. I noticed hydraulic oil had dripped on a chair that I had placed in the bay. I could see there was a very tiny bit of oil at the bottom of the cylinder where the rod extended. I cleaned it thoroughly and ran the slide in and out several times. There was no visible leak. I placed a wooden board under the cylinder and checked it several times over a 60 day period while we were using the coach during the summer. Did not notice any more oil. When we got home I put the coach in storage - Checked the coach after about a week and I could see a small amount of oil had dripped on the board. Once again it is a very tiny amount and I could feel the oil on the bottom of the cylinder. I tried to tighten the hose coming in but it was snug. Tried to post a picture but I cannot seem to figure out how on this page. My coach is a 2016 Tiffin 36LA.
Thanks
Class A
  • Flute_Man's avatar
    Flute_Man
    Explorer
    Dec 22, 2020
    If the oil is coming out from the rod seal you could remove the cylinder and have a hydraulic shop replace the seal.
  • MountainAir05's avatar
    MountainAir05
    Explorer II
    Dec 22, 2020
    You can also flush out the old oil and replace with new synthetic oil and wipe down the cylinder with that and cycle it in/out several times with fresh oil every time. Then wipe it down clean and see if it lube the seal, if not then as stated time for a rebuild.

    I worked hydraulic cylinders for over 23 years and that always was the first choice on a minor leak to try , then the rebuild if it got worst.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Dec 22, 2020
    A leaking hose might also appear to be a cylinder leak so check carefully.
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Dec 22, 2020
    MountainAir05 wrote:
    You can also flush out the old oil and replace with new synthetic oil and wipe down the cylinder with that and cycle it in/out several times with fresh oil every time. Then wipe it down clean and see if it lube the seal, if not then as stated time for a rebuild.

    I worked hydraulic cylinders for over 23 years and that always was the first choice on a minor leak to try , then the rebuild if it got worst.


    ALWAYS determine the correct fluid for your systems. Doug


    Only use one of the following synthetic fluids to replace the existing ATF in the system.
    These fluids are compatible with Dexron ATF or HWH Specialty Hydraulic Oil.
    Castrol Heavy Duty Lubricants - TranSynd
    BP Lubricants - Autrand Syn 295
    Cognis Corporation - Emgard 2805
    International Truck and Engine Company - Fleetrite Synthetic ATF
    Exxon Mobil Lubricants - Mobil Delvac Synthetic ATF
    John Deere & Company - HD SynTran
    Volvo Trucks North America - Bulldog Synthetic ATF
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Dec 22, 2020
    Remember, on a HWH slideout, there is CONSTANT pressure on the cylinders when retracted or extended. So, it is not unusual for a leak to take days or weeks to drip. NEVER overtighten the Hose flare fittings. Just snug is adequate. If you bear down on the nut, you will cause a leak at the swivel portion of the hose fitting. As you have done, clean the area and make sure it is dry. Then it should be easier to determine if you have a hose fitting leak or the interior seal of the slide cylinder is leaking. If I had a cylinder seal that leaks just a few drops, I would make a catch pan under that area to catch that few drops. Would not spend the money to fix unless the leak got worse. The HOSE end can be easily replaced with a swedge tool. Doug
  • Bikeboy57's avatar
    Bikeboy57
    Explorer
    Dec 22, 2020
    Use portions of paper towel zip tied to fittings and the cylinder end secured with zip ties to locate slow drips

About Motorhome Group

38,705 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 14, 2025