HWH Hydraulic Hoses

[indiana journey]

Last week, while re-arranging some of the basement storage, I discovered what appeared to be oil in the floor of one of the compartments. Upon further investigation, I found the oil on the back wall of the compartment.
One of the hydraulic cylinders for the living room slide is just above the oiled area so I started removing the covers to the cylinder. Upon removal, I found the 1/8" hydralic hose to have several "blisters", some were leaking a very small amount of oil.
After cleaning as much of the oil as I could, I went to the other cylinder to check it for leaks. It also has "blistering" but is not yet leaking.
I then traced the lines to the equalizing clyinder under the coach. The two lines there also had "blistered"
I have a call in to HWH to talk to Frank, he is going to call me when my turn comes.
I am wondering if anyone else has had this problem. If you did, what did you do to fix it?
I worked in the auto industry for 37 years as a Pipefitter. One of our jobs was installing and building new hydraulic hoses for machinery. I have never seen this problem before now.
I am wondering if there has been any recalls on this hose since it is faulty.
Our MH is 8 years old and I am pretty sure that HWH or Winnebago will not be wanting to "help" in any way.
Should I put HWH hoses back on, even if they are the same kind of hoses, or should I have new hoses made to replace the bad ones?
Thanks, Indiana Journey

[cbeierl]

HWH had a problem with some bad hoses around that time--they may well be prepared to help you out with replacements.

[smlranger]

If HWH will help with replacing the hoses, I'd take that route. If not, I would just have a local hydraulic/rubber supplier or auto parts (NAPA, Federated) make up new hoses. I did that and my local guy did not hold the thermoplastic hoses used by HWH in high regard. The reinforced rubber hose he made for me seems much higher quality.

[bellsharbor]

Yep! They had bad hoses around those years. On my 2002 36' Journey DL--LD The rear hoses was replace in 2004 and the front, kitchen slide, hoses were replaced in 2008. HWH covered the hoses and part of the labor. I did use their hoses and they ARE a different design. I had a local dealer do the work and they called HWH and made the arrangements for shipping the new hoses. The dealer still charged me about $600 over what HWH covered. Good luck--John

[tderonne]

I've thought about replacing some hoses just to get cleaner routings. Mine look like there was one set of hose lengths they used. My 31' has lots of extra hose.

I have my right rear jack removed for repair. I used a standard AN -4 plug. I'm not 100% sure, but looks like it is indeed standard AN -4 stuff. Thought about using stainless braided teflon hose. Anyone tried anything like that?

[motohomer]

I was told the hoses had to be specific lengths, so opposing or tandam pairs were 'balanced'. Makes sense but could be urban legend.

[Paul T]

Quote:

Originally Posted by motohomer I was told the hoses had to be specific lengths, so opposing or tandam pairs were 'balanced'. Makes sense but could be urban legend.

NOT urban legend; spelled out numerous times by HWH with tutorials to explain why and under what circumstances. Check out their web site for your specific system.

[bigd42]

Quote:

Originally Posted by indiana journey Last week, while re-arranging some of the basement storage, I discovered what appeared to be oil in the floor of one of the compartments. Upon further investigation, I found the oil on the back wall of the compartment. One of the hydraulic cylinders for the living room slide is just above the oiled area so I started removing the covers to the cylinder. Upon removal, I found the 1/8" hydralic hose to have several "blisters", some were leaking a very small amount of oil. After cleaning as much of the oil as I could, I went to the other cylinder to check it for leaks. It also has "blistering" but is not yet leaking. I then traced the lines to the equalizing clyinder under the coach. The two lines there also had "blistered" I have a call in to HWH to talk to Frank, he is going to call me when my turn comes. I am wondering if anyone else has had this problem. If you did, what did you do to fix it? I worked in the auto industry for 37 years as a Pipefitter. One of our jobs was installing and building new hydraulic hoses for machinery. I have never seen this problem before now. I am wondering if there has been any recalls on this hose since it is faulty. Our MH is 8 years old and I am pretty sure that HWH or Winnebago will not be wanting to "help" in any way. Should I put HWH hoses back on, even if they are the same kind of hoses, or should I have new hoses made to replace the bad ones? Thanks, Indiana Journey

Yes i had the same proble. In spring 2009 i found my lines had been leaking. Took it to a local HWH dealer in Elkhart,In. He refered me to the HWH factory in Iowa. The reason they leaked was that they use to small of lines. They replaced all my lines and put larger lines in free. Even stayed at the plant hook up. I do not know what they do now but then they had a recall about the problem.

[indiana journey]

bigd42,
What year is your MH?
Thanks, Indiana Journey

[bigd42]

2002 Rexhall

[indiana journey]

Thanks bigd42, ours is an '04, so HWH explained to me that the problem had been solved with a better hose on the newer ones. I am not too sure of that! I talked to a supervisor @ HWH and we came to an agreement on the price of two new hoses, which I ordered. I will be installing them next week. Meanwhile, I will let my body heal up from the contorsions that it was in while trying to access the hoses. HWH treated me pretty well for our 7 year old coach. Thanks to everyone for your help.
Indiana Journey

[Wayne M]

Just recently at the WInnibago factory service center they found 3 of my hoses "blistered" but not leaking fluid, so that indicates the fluid is staying inside the jacket. I had all 8 hoses replaced - my $$$. They were HWH hoses.

[indiana journey]

Wayne M,
You might check into the warranty @ HWH. I think that it is 3 years for parts & maybe labor also. Might get a refund on your hoses.
Indiana Journey

[Wayne M]

Thanks, I'll check into that.

Edited: I contacted HWH. In 2005 they stopped the 3 year warranty cycle and went to a 1 year cycle.

Thanks - at least I tried. I have found that the worst you can get for asking is a "No."