Hydraulic Leveler Not Retracting All the Way

[rv4jimnme]

Hi our rear passenger side Leveler on Winnebago Adventurer Model 38T is not retracting all the way. Therefore the "alarm" will not go off. Is there a simple way to service this until we get to the Dealer? New to Hydraulic and clueless. This is the second time we have had this happen the first time in Los Angeles Traffice but when we pulled over it came up. Now it will not.

[Shot-N-Az]

It's why I keep a 2X4 in my basement compartment.

[rv4jimnme]

PF&PM wrote:
We struggled for a few years with one that wouldn't come up, then another. Changed springs.. worked for a while. They would drop slightly while driving so I would unplug the the system at the control box under the hood opening to shut off the alarms. Had to use a 2X4 to lever up two of the jacks.. Finally got tired of doing it and had the jacks removed and I sent them to HWH to be rebuilt. The removal and installation upon return cost 250.00 and HWH charged 750.00 to rebuild them. I painted them myself because HWH wanted 20.00 each to paint them. They work fine now.

Wow thanks for the input I wonder what the life expectancy is? Seems like maybe electric would be the better choice in the long run? We never had any problems with our levelers on the Fleetwood Pace Arrow 2007 thru 2016 except minor one time towards the end of 2014.

[PF_PM]

We struggled for a few years with one that wouldn't come up, then another. Changed springs.. worked for a while. They would drop slightly while driving so I would unplug the the system at the control box under the hood opening to shut off the alarms. Had to use a 2X4 to lever up two of the jacks.. Finally got tired of doing it and had the jacks removed and I sent them to HWH to be rebuilt. The removal and installation upon return cost 250.00 and HWH charged 750.00 to rebuild them. I painted them myself because HWH wanted 20.00 each to paint them. They work fine now.

[rgatijnet1]

If you are in a place with cooler temps, the jacks will retract slower then during the hot Summer. If you just cannot get it to retract all of the way, you can put a bottle or scissors jack underneath it and use that to push the cylinder up to a full retraction.

[dougrainer]

Fishinghat wrote:
I have a 1993 coach with the HWH levelers and all have their original springs. I can't help but think a slow retracting leveler is due to something else, such as dirty fluid, closed valve or dirty jack. I spray mine with silicone fluid just before retracting. The fluid seems to keep the seals lubricated, although I would assume MD3 fluid (automatic transmission fluid) would do the same, if not better.

I changed the fluid several years ago as a preventive measure. it takes about a gallon if I remember correctly. I also lubricate the zert fittings and spray the moving/pivoting parts with silicone spray. Remember to check the manual release valves on top of the pump to make sure they are closed.

You must have KICK DOWN jacks. Totally different parameter and animal from the more common Straight jacks. You do NOT have to change the fluid. There is nothing to contaminate the fluid. But, some feel better doing that. Doug

[Fishinghat]

I have a 1993 coach with the HWH levelers and all have their original springs. I can't help but think a slow retracting leveler is due to something else, such as dirty fluid, closed valve or dirty jack. I spray mine with silicone fluid just before retracting. The fluid seems to keep the seals lubricated, although I would assume MD3 fluid (automatic transmission fluid) would do the same, if not better.

I changed the fluid several years ago as a preventive measure. it takes about a gallon if I remember correctly. I also lubricate the zert fittings and spray the moving/pivoting parts with silicone spray. Remember to check the manual release valves on top of the pump to make sure they are closed.

[rv4jimnme]

Gjac wrote:
What kind of jacks do you have? HWH? Straight acting, kick down?

Ah HWH straight down. thanks everybody

[down_home]

Ours don't act well when they have been through dust while parked. Winds move dust that you may not see around at ground level.
When we were in La we had high winds much of the time. When we tried to retract the jacks they squeaked jerked and squawked and didn't want to come up. That and the awnings and everything else were misbehaving.
Crawled underneath and using silicone spray sprayed them down real well and wiped around the seal area with silicone soaked paper towels and then dry towels. Waited a bit to make sure it all evaporated to retract and all was well.
The manual confuses me. It said not to use grease, which makes sense but there are jerks at the seal area. Where we keep it greases them well now and wipes away any excess grease anywhere.

[John___Angela]

We lube the zerks once a year and spray and wipe down the cylinders with silicone every time they have been down for any length of time. Run them out to the top, wipe them down and try again.

[et2]

Canadian Rainbirds wrote:

et2 wrote:
Extend them. Put some transmission oil on a rag and apply to the exposed shaft. Try retracting again and see if it improves. Check for obstructions. Last would be maybe a new spring is needed.

Oil can attract and hold dust. Silicone spray is better. Extend as said above, spray, clean with a clean lint free cloth, spray once more and try to retract. If it is the spring, (our right rear has been weak for years) you can assist it up with a long lever.

That is what is in the hydraulic chamber to begin with - transmission fluid. Many manufactures say specifically not to use silicon spray as it can react with the seal. Just apply and wipe off.

[Gjac]

What kind of jacks do you have? HWH? Straight acting, kick down?

[dougrainer]

You should have HWH jacks. Go to the TOP of the offending jack and you will see a 2 wire quick connect. That is the DOWN light magnetic switch. DISCONNECT that switch and the light will go off. You can also Start the engine, put the system is STORE, take 6 or 8 foot 2x4 as a lever and you can lever the offending jack fully up. Since you have a 2008 model, the problem is defective inner jack seals and that jack will need rebuilt or replaced. Doug

[CA_Traveler]

Mine had to lubed every 6-12 months with the zerk fittings. I carried a 2x4 with holes and a bar to raise them until the next stop and lube. DW would push the button while I applied upward force on the jack. Maybe something similar would work for you.

[siggyd777]

Hydraulic levelers are being pulled up by the springs , but the engine must be OFF and you must be in ACC to have the valves open for
the hydraulic fluid to return to the tank when you press Store.
Siggy

[hottubkid]

bring all the levelers up and fill the tank for them. the alarm is saying you are low on fluid