2000 Dutchstar - power jack problem!

[rkravontka]

Hello all, new to this. My problem is that the drivers side front power jack does not come up on its own. I have to get it started by prying it with a bar or flat jack. Do I need to replace spring or is their a recomended lube or fix that someone can help me with. Very new to the RVing and any help is appreciated.

thanks,
rick

[GaryKD]

Hi rkravontka,

My assumption is you are posting about HWH hydraulic jacks. The jack springs are the most inexpensive solution. On the springs you have now, is the spring coil straight to the hook part of the spring? Is the coil (about the last 5 coils) tapered into the hook part of the spring? If the spring coil is straight to the hook, consider replacing the springs. If the coil is tapered the springs should be okay.

Now things get a bit more difficult. Does it take quite a bit of force to move the jack cylinder to the retracted position? If you go to the HWH reservoir and release the pressure on that jack (manual opening the valve) does the force remain the same to retract the jack? If yes, the jack needs to be replaced.

If opening the valve allows the force to be noticeably less the retract the jack, the valve may not be opening all the way on its' own.

If you find the force remains about the same, there is nothing one can do. There is not a spray on the planet that will help.

What happens is there is a very large seal at the bottom of the cylinder. The seal, over time, tends to constrict onto the cylinder. It does not bother deployment (hydraulic pressure) but will easily keep the springs from retracting the cylinder. It will only get worse.

["007"]

Had to replace my same jack because of twisted seal inside.
This post is in a thread about same problem.
Here is more info on replacement and removing springs found in Quick Tips.
You can spray silicone on piston some people use the HWH fluid but for both wipe off so will not collect dirt.
If your have a real problem getting jack up lift the chassis frame and place blocks under jack pad than drop frame to push jack back up in housing.
Use a 6 or 8 ton jack.

[PaulO]

Just replaced my front right one today for the same reason. Not the worst job I've done on the motorhome but not alot of fun. The hard part is getting the new springs on. Works great now. I am going to bring the old cylinder in to a local hydraulic shop to see if they can rebuild it since all four are the same on my rig. HWH charges ridculous prices (around 450 bucks) for a replacement and gives you $125 if you send the old one in. I think it is worth the $125 risk to see what my local guy can do. BTW, I tried all different lubricants and nothing works.
Good Luck,
Paul

[Dave MN]

I had the same problem. HWH did replace one jack and I had all springs replaced.
The new spring were aprox 25 per pair, but the jack is about 425.
HWH was good to work with. I was in and out in a few hours.

[rkravontka]

Hello to all and thanks for the replys. I did the lube thing and it worked. so at this point I hope it will continue to do so. I am in Canada and the price for the jacks is consideralbly more then $425 per. Triple that cost here. Any solutions to bring the cost down?

thanks again all,
rick

[BZam]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkravontka Hello to all and thanks for the replys. I did the lube thing and it worked. so at this point I hope it will continue to do so. I am in Canada and the price for the jacks is consideralbly more then $425 per. Triple that cost here. Any solutions to bring the cost down? thanks again all, rick

Lots of good responses already but I was going to tell you first to do what you did. Need to clean them especially at the bottom as grime accumulates there. You can use what you want but I use WD-40 and wipe them down after. Some argue about what to use, but I have 22 years with HWH jacks and never had a problem and this is what HWH owner told me to do many years ago.

As for cost, if you need new jack, this best is to have someone remove it, take it to any farm implement place and they can rebuild it with new seals. These are more standard than you might think, and can get it done for fraction of cost.

[Matador 01]

HWH only recommends using WD40 to wipe the shafts ........