Jacks getting sluggish

[dshinnick]

We have a 2005 Holiday Rambler Ambassador, 40' DP. Overall in very good condition, except that the jacks have recently begun to be quite sluggish on retracting.

Going down is no problem. But coming up, especially the rears, I hold my breath each time. Sometimes they'll come up a few inches and stop. We reverse them for a second, then try again. Sometimes they'll then come up, sometimes not. Sometimes they just won't move at all at first, and we have to extend/retract/extend until they finally decide to retract.

I looked in the manual and there is a fluid reservoir, but the manual says that the fluid only affects the extension, not the retraction. Perhaps that's not so. I thought maybe the springs which help pull the jacks up might be getting weak, but that wouldn't explain why they're very sluggish at first, but then eventually retract ok.

So, any thoughts?

thanks-

dave

[midasman]

My '06 Ambassador has Power Gear jacks. They seem to work just fine. If you haven't checked the fluid it is possible it is low and aerating the fluid. I just cannot see how low fluid wouldn't affect the retraction???

[Jim]

Use whatever the manufacturer recommends to lube the extended jacks, for most people, that's ATF (never use WD-40 from what I read...it's a penetrating oil, not a lubricant).

Check the operation of the retract solenoid valve. Like has been mentioned, if it's not opening all the way, you'll get your symptom.

At the reservoir, remove and clean all the electrical terminals. I have removed, taken apart, and cleaned the coil assemblies because they can accumulate road grime. Liberally spray electrical connections with contact spray. Brighten the terminals with brass mini-brush. Recrimp wire connectors (main cause of reduced voltage to coils).

After everything electrical is all clean and shiny, and the terminals are tight, measure the voltage going to the 'Retract' solenoid. If it's not a strong 12V+, then you'll have to track down the weakly crimped or corroded terminal.

It's exceedingly rare for a solenoid itself to become 'weak'. It's made of wire wound on a coil, the ends soldered to terminals. Then the whole shebang is dipped in epoxy. There's nothing that can become 'weak'. So look for corrosion or a bad crimp going TO the solenoid.

Finally, I've read on forums, that on really old RVs the retraction 'springs' can become weak. Especially if they live in the desert most of the year. I'd doubt that all of the springs will somehow get weak all at the same time, but, who knows?

[kdk]

As previously noted it could be a sluggish valve but first try lubricating the external portion of the cylinder shafts with automatic transmission fluid and a couple of shots of grease in the grease zerks at the base of the cylinder. Another thought is to deflate your air bags before extending and leveling, then retract before airing up. This process lets the full weight of the motor home start to push the jacks up and help force open a sticky valve. Works for me as I have the same unit.
Blessings; Keith

[45Ricochet]

mtrumpet wrote:


Also, how is the condition of your return springs? Those big springs on each jack are what is "pulling" your jack up to the retracted position.

X2
Check the springs, and a little WD40. Some folks use hydraulic fluid to wipe them down with every now and then. My rears are always the last one's up as the hydraulic compartment is located at the PS front wheel. Distance is much greater.

[mtrumpet]

The fluid level does not effect the jack retraction, unless it is being restricted on it's return to the reservior. Typically, hydraulics will initially move slower in cold weather, before the fluid warms up. However, as it is that you are in California, that's likely not a issue.

It could be that your valve is not opening all the way due to a weak solenoid. You may want to try the manual override and see if your jacks retract normally. If so, then the solenoid is most likely your problem. Your owners manual will instruct you on how to do this.

Also, how is the condition of your return springs? Those big springs on each jack are what is "pulling" your jack up to the retracted position.

[dahkota]

We have to lubricate our jacks once in a while, especially in sandy locations. Do you lubricate them regularly? We know we have to do it when they get sluggish on the way up...

[CG_Dawson]

Do you have zerk fittings at the bottom of the jacks, they may need a small shot of grease.

[SeaDog_BRR]

Sounds like your return valve is not opening all the way. Check the electrical connections at the valves.

[wolfe10]

What brand jacks?