leveler spring noise

Have a 2002 Itasca Sunrise 32V with the HWH hydraulic jacks. They have two springs on each jack. They all make little "bong" noises when going up or down, I just thought that was normal. They work alright, never had a problem with them, now I might try a little WD-40, althoug no one has complained about them as yet. Then again, if it ain't broke .....

azpete wrote:
the bolts on the bottom retainer bracket on the jack housing may have been replaced with longer bolts. the springs sometimes hang up on the end of the bolt while extending. you can grind down the end of the bolt. sometimes that helps. other than that, its the nature of the beast.

This is what made noise on my Winnebago (new from Forest City). I was able to flip the bolts around, they were carriage bolts - the head cleared the spring where the nut didn't.

Before I flipped the bolts, I got a "bong" as each coil of the spring passed by the bolts.

dougrainer wrote:
It is not normal and I have never heard a complaint about noisy HWH jack springs. Is it possible, they are just plain rusted and need replaced after 7 years? Doug

That's a new one on me too.

23hotrodr...I'm curious as to what sort of noise they would be making? Is it a creaking sort of noise when they are stretching? Or is it more of a "boing" noise - as if they are binding/hanging up briefly, then releasing?

I would not replace springs that are 7 years old unless they did not retract the pistons. Try the silicone spray or WD-40 first before you buy new springs. There seems to be more problems with the upper piston seals on the newer units where the pistons don't retract all the way than with the actual springs.

There is a bit of surface rust, but not sure how much would be excessive. Operation is fine. They don't appear to be rubbing on anything. I will have to try a few lubes and see what happens. I really don't care about the noise, but thought it might anoy others in a campground.

What should I expect to pay for replacement springs? (just the parts, no labor) -- Mick

I have HWH kickdown jacks and the spring rubs on the rounded spring guide that allows them to pivot. It is this rubbing of the spring on the guide that causes the noise.

23hotrodr - The noise has not bothered me enough to cause me to try and eliminate it, but I think when I get her out of storage this spring I may try to silence them.

Doug

the bolts on the bottom retainer bracket on the jack housing may have been replaced with longer bolts. the springs sometimes hang up on the end of the bolt while extending. you can grind down the end of the bolt. sometimes that helps. other than that, its the nature of the beast.

When mine make noise, I spray them with WD-40 or silicone spray. Both work good. When my jacks start to creak I spray them with silicone spray. Spraying once lasts for the summer camping season.

It is not normal and I have never heard a complaint about noisy HWH jack springs. Is it possible, they are just plain rusted and need replaced after 7 years? Doug

These are very simple with a hook on each end of the spring. I was hoping someone had found a particular lube that helped. When the weather gets better, I'll try 2 or 3 different lubes and report back. It might be a while with the winter we are having around here. -- Mick