"Creaking and noisy' Levelers

[garymunson]

Our new Winnebago with Lippert hydraulic levelers will make noises all night from all 4 corners. I'm assuming this is a tiny leak somewhere in the system. Is this a normal thing? Once, after sitting for a couple weeks, I also encountered a 'jacks down' error that required me to reset the control panel (holding down enter and retract) although the jacks did not look 'down'. After reset, the pump ran for a few seconds and things were back to normal. Looking around under the coach, I do not see any obvious oil leaks. Any thoughts?

[mccsix]

This worked for me:

Caterpillar Hydraulic Oil Additive 1U-9891 (Fig. 3)

For maximum results in the shortest amount of time, please follow the preparation and procedure exactly as written below.

Preparation:


1. Obtain a clean container (large enough to hold a quart of fluid)

2. Obtain a fluid extraction device (siphon, turkey baster, etc.)

3. Fully retract all hydraulic cylinders and jacks.

Process:


1. Using the fluid extraction device, remove one quart of fluid from the power unit reservoir.

2. Add 1/2 quart of the specified fluid.

3. Extend all hydraulic cylinders and jacks fully.

4. Add the remaining amount of the specified fluid.

5. Fully retract all hydraulic cylinders and jacks.

6. Run the Auto-Level feature on the Level-Up system per the instructions found in the Owner's Manual.

NOTE:

If the noise persists, the addition of a second quart may be necessary. Follow steps 1 through 6.

[garyemunson]

An update..the fork oil recommended by Lippert quieted the noise for quite a while but it eventually returned. This seemed to fix it (at least for now).
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002JMLQU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[dougrainer]

Gordysvette wrote:
The change in fluid was to switch to Synthetic from regular.

What you did is one way which is more time and money to do. Adding Anti Sticksion is the quick easiest fix to do. Doug

[Gordysvette]

The change in fluid was to switch to Synthetic from regular.

[MrWizard]

any creaking and groaning i have is from the 'Suspension'
the springs make noise sometimes as we move around (we have 3-point leveling system)

the hyd levelers may occasionally 'retract'? a little or the ground compacts?
but as the RV 'settles' the springs creak

the hyd.. don't make any noise in our RV

[garyemunson]

I followed the recommendation give to me by Lippert....drew out 1 qt of fluid from the leveler hydraulic reservoir and replaced it with 1 qt Maxima 15wt Fork Oil. Sound GONE!

[garymunson]

LCI's response to my question..


Good morning,

See the link below for adding anti-stiction fluid to you system. Adding the fluid should help alleviate the popping noise. Fluctuations in temperature will cause the symptoms you are experiencing.

http://www.lci1.com/assets/content/support/sheets/TI___191_Adding_Anti_Stiction_Fluid_To_Hydraulic_Systems.pdf

Have a nice day,
Dan S.
Technical Service Representative

[dougrainer]

1BryNelson wrote:
Wow. Gaskets and seals never leak. 30 yrs of limited expierence, Boys in the Navy thought me to expect the unexpected. I solved my hydralic jack leveling problem by replacing fluid, go figure.

OK, you want to be a pain. Who said anything about Gaskets and seals? WHAT was your problem that a fluid change fixed? I assume you have PG jacks from your post having a Fleetwood Pace Arrow. Where in the Navy do they use RV Leveling Jacks? Must be some funny looking Ship. ALL Hydraulics are not the same or have the same design parameters. As I stated, I have NEVER seen or had a problem on a Hydraulic RV system that pointed to or needed a fluid change that would fix a problem. Now, if you HAVE contaminated fluid, then yes drain and flush, but in he real world, getting ALL the old fluid completely removed will be a PIA for most systems. That means flushing the lines and draining the reservoir which is NOT an easy job. IF a Seal or Gasket leaks on a RV leveling system, THAT is not going to contaminate the existing fluid. The ATF in the leveling and slide out systems does not have gears and such to wear and contaminate the fluid, so if you want to change the fluid, go ahead, but it is a waste of time. Doug

30 years of limited experience???? I estimate I have worked on in excess of 500 leveling systems, and have FIXED every system I have worked on. Doug

[1BryNelson]

Wow. Gaskets and seals never leak. 30 yrs of limited expierence, Boys in the Navy thought me to expect the unexpected. I solved my hydralic jack leveling problem by replacing fluid, go figure.

[dougrainer]

1BryNelson wrote:
Hmmm, why change hydraulic fluid? Main reason might be that over time hydraulic fluid collects water, this causes pressure problems. Science 101. But just my opinion.

Possibly, but since it is a sealed system, unless you left it open, the moisture would not be a problem. Where does the ATF collect the moisture from? In 30 years of working on almost ALL the various makers of slide and Jack systems, I have NEVER seen contaminated fluid cause a problem. Doug

[1BryNelson]

Hmmm, why change hydraulic fluid? Main reason might be that over time hydraulic fluid collects water, this causes pressure problems. Science 101. But just my opinion.

[dougrainer]

1BryNelson wrote:
I had noises and resetting issues, quick fix was Gordys, keep the levelers from extending to far. Proper fix is to replace hydraulic fluid and springs when you can.

Really? WHY change the Fluid? FYI, this LCI system does NOT have springs. Doug

[1BryNelson]

I had noises and resetting issues, quick fix was Gordys, keep the levelers from extending to far. Proper fix is to replace hydraulic fluid and springs when you can.

[garymunson]

I was posting about 2 different problems, noise with jacks down and 'jack down' error with jacks up. Sorry for the confusion. Going to buy some 'Cat oil'.........