Forum Discussion

BertP's avatar
BertP
Explorer
Jul 28, 2015

Hydraulic Problem

Hi All,

I have a Wildcat 28BH with a single hydraulically actuated superslide. We haven't used the rig in a couple of years and I see that all of the hydraulic fluid has leaked out onto the ground. At first, I assumed that the reservoir had somehow been damaged since it was completely empty but I took it out and I can see no physical damage to either the reservoir or the pump unit. The lines are on top so I can't see how they could empty the reservoir but they appear to be fine anyway.

Any suggestions as to what the problem might be? I assumed that the pump would be unable to completely empty the reservoir so I kinda ruled out a broken line (but I checked anyway). I can find no damage of any kind to the unit or anything attached to it.

The reservoir has a Lippert Components sticker on it but their website covers everything except hydraulic systems. The only tag I can find on the pump portion is a Haldex sticker but that is just the motor, not the pump.

Thanks

Bert
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Jul 28, 2015
    Common for a while was the reservoir to body seal. But that would leave anwet oily mess. You need to start checking everything within 10 feet of the wet spot on the ground.
  • BertP's avatar
    BertP
    Explorer
    Jul 29, 2015
    The problem is that it happened over a period of time as it sat parked. The fluid ran down the pump mounting structure to the bottom of the front basement, across the front and down the right jack to the ground.

    I looked at the seal today and it seemed odd. There is an O ring but the reservoir slips over it and is bolted in place. The seal isn't compressed by the reservoir as it is bolted in because they are in different planes (the barrel shaped reservoir just slides over the O ring, it doesn't butt up against it).

    I am beginning to suspect that the reservoir bolts had backed off just enough to allow the fluid to leak out. I can find no physical damage anywhere.

    Bert
  • BertP's avatar
    BertP
    Explorer
    Jul 29, 2015
    I think that is what I am going to try. Any idea what oil goes in it? There's nothing on the unit itself to tell me. It looks like power steering fluid but I don't know for sure.

    Bert
  • Chris_Bryant's avatar
    Chris_Bryant
    Explorer II
    Jul 29, 2015
    it should use ATF. Are you sure Lippert has nothing on your system?
    If you go to http://lci1.com/support-center, click on the slide setup you have, and you will get a tabbed page, with tabs for technical info, manuals, faq, etc. The manuals will give the service manuals.
  • BertP's avatar
    BertP
    Explorer
    Aug 02, 2015
    Chris Bryant wrote:
    it should use ATF. Are you sure Lippert has nothing on your system?
    If you go to http://lci1.com/support-center, click on the slide setup you have, and you will get a tabbed page, with tabs for technical info, manuals, faq, etc. The manuals will give the service manuals.


    You're right, Chris, it is ATF. Thanks.

    Bert
  • trailrider's avatar
    trailrider
    Explorer
    Aug 03, 2015
    Call Lippert and have them e-mail you the fix for a leaky reservoir. It involves a new o ring, specific cleaning procedures and red hi temp rtv.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,188 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 19, 2025