Levelers

[Pepper2]

Had one of my levelers stick about half way up this summer and had to push up on it to fully retract it. Other times they just seem slow retracting. I'm assuming that the springs are starting to wear out. How difficult is it to change them? Seems like an easy fix.

[JSE80]

try WD-40 first if you are sure it isn't bent.

[garyspang]

Hi Neal
I also have a 2003 Sightseer, but is has hydraulic powered return, not springs. There have been several times that I accidentally started to go foreward with the jacks down. Once this applied exessive side thrust to my jacks to the point where internal damage was done. The jacks would stick. With full voltage out of the alternator (14.2) I exercised the jacks several times and they recovered. Bought a spare jack since then in case I have another brain fart. Also istalled an electric blinker module to flash the "Jacks Down" light.
Exercise your jack fully 5 to 10 times with maximum voltage out of the alternator and see if the sticking gets polished out.
Gary

[Pusherman]

If it's a HWH hydraulic jack, and you can pry it up, most likely it's not bent.

The new tapered springs do help the jacks retract better. You just have to have some 'muscle' to get them on.

If the jack still doesn't retract, it most likely has internal damage, and will either need to be replaced or rebuilt. Either way you most likely will need the new springs.

I agree with the WD-40 recommendation. Try spraying it on the cylinder first, and actuating the jacks several times before taking other action.

[DAN L]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pepper2 Had one of my levelers stick about half way up this summer and had to push up on it to fully retract it. Other times they just seem slow retracting. I'm assuming that the springs are starting to wear out. How difficult is it to change them? Seems like an easy fix.

if you have hwh leveling jacks, the newer tapered springs are an improvement.
i replaced my rear jack springs in a trailer park in reno in june 2010.
i posted about the process in july with pictures.
i used a come-along and a ratchet strap to stretch the springs and installed clothes pins to keep them elongated for installation.

[njs42]

I have Power Gear jacks---they warn against WD-40 on the shaft and suggest silicone spray on the exposed shaft occassionally (when down of course)---which I do and they really retract fine. Also mine have lube fittings for some lithium grease---I do this at least annually as well.

If you have not tried lubricant do that first before you tackle the spring.

Food for thought---a levelor is a levelor is a levelor---if not then you have a delete button for my comments.

[hamguy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pusherman If it's a HWH hydraulic jack, and you can pry it up, most likely it's not bent. The new tapered springs do help the jacks retract better. You just have to have some 'muscle' to get them on. If the jack still doesn't retract, it most likely has internal damage, and will either need to be replaced or rebuilt. Either way you most likely will need the new springs. I agree with the WD-40 recommendation. Try spraying it on the cylinder first, and actuating the jacks several times before taking other action.

I believe HWH advises against WD40. WD40 is NOT a lubricant. Rather it is/was meant to delete water from surfaces. It is 100% miscible with water and allows it to evaporate at a faster rate. Rather like alcohol but faster.

[Steve N Sal]

With the HWH system that we have I had new tapered springs installed for one. Inspect the level of hydraulic fluid.