Community Forums

CountryB · 02-04-2019, 08:37 AM

I just replaced the leaning the hydraulic cylinder on my HWH X-Slide (Dual cylinders with Synchronizing cylinder). This is on a 2005 Beaver (Monaco). The slide out I'm working on is the front passenger one - my living room sleeper couch and kitchen.

I found the instructions for synchronizing the cylinders - but I'm having trouble understanding exactly how to proceed. I could use some guidance.

1) I disconnected the X-frame at the top and bottom where it attaches to the coach slide-out room wall. I did this on both X-frames.

2) I could not reach the cylinder "chain retention bolt" with the slide out frame retracted (which is cylinder fully extended) so I had to move the cylinders (X-frame) in slightly. This may have been my mistake as instructions seem to indicate I should only be replacing the cylinder when the cylinder is "fully extended".

3) I installed the new hyd cylinder and then ran the cylinders full in and full out. I 'm just not sure what position the synchronization cylinder was in (manual says it should be "fully retracted" in SECOND step, and I don't know if mine was) since I can't see that cylinder. I'm not even sure where it is located (I assume behind the kitchen cabinets somewhere).

4) The manual I downloaded from HWH has instructions in THIRD STEP and FOURTH STEP that I have not done yet. Do I just need to remove the hose at the top of the pump/manifold and direct fluid back into the reservoir now? Is this done with the X-frames still disconnected from the room walls?
If I screwed up number 3 above, will this step correct it?

I highlighted a couple of section in the manual where the main points are and where I have questions.If anyone has done this repair please let me know how to ensure my cylinders a synchronized.

I can't really tell if they are moving in synch at this stage since I can't see both cylinders at the same time (I don't want to hook them back up to the room until I know everything is correct so I don't jam/cock the room.

Stuck at this point and waiting for advise. Hoping Paul from HWH while see this post.
Thanks

Jim_HiTek · 02-04-2019, 09:40 AM

You might PM AZPete, that way you don't have to wait for him to bump into this post.

CountryB · 02-05-2019, 06:15 AM

Bump...

RKins · 02-05-2019, 02:55 PM

Mike, You can contact Paul (AZPETE) at pfmaddox@att.net or call him at 602-549-3638. He has posted that his phone is always on, and if not answered, leave a message.
I know he's talked/helped you before. He doesn't mind if you call him.

CountryB · 02-05-2019, 04:37 PM

I did get a PM reply from Paul (HWH). He provided me some guidance on getting the right and left cylinders synchronized.

Basically you need to be able to run both cylinders to their full travel (so disconnect from room) then run them Out and hold button for a couple of seconds, the run In and hold button for a couple of seconds. Let motor cool. Repeat. Then measure that both cylinders are extending the same distances.

Right now I have an X-Slide chain on order from HWH. When it comes in I'll finish up the job.

CountryB · 02-07-2019, 04:46 PM

The new chain arrived today. I hope it is the correct part. It doesn't rest flat on its back like my old chain - but it may be just that my old chain has stretched some allowing it lay flat.

CountryB · 02-08-2019, 04:30 AM

There is a section inside the X-Slide fame where the chain looks like it would need to be flat - the section inside the upright frame from the chain's connection to hydraulic cylinder to the point where the chain turns to exit the frame.

I don't know if having a curved chain (rather than flat) is going to cause a problem - like rub on the frame or cause the hyd cylinder to sit at an angle rather than straight up.

Any thoughts on this?

azpete · 02-08-2019, 06:37 AM

the new chain is supposed to have a curve to it.
if your chain is flat, it is stretched out.
the curve of the chain is an integral part of the design of the whole mechanism.
paul

CountryB · 02-08-2019, 06:47 AM

Paul, thanks for responding here (and by PM).

Since the room has an X-Slide frame (a cylinder/chain) on each end, and I know now that the chain I removed is bad - should I also change the chain on the other side?

I have not disassembled the other side X-Slide frame mechanism to inspect the chain - but if one chain is stretched, the other is probably the same.

Is there any risk to having a new chain on one side and an old chain on the other side? Those chains are over $100 so I only want to replace it if it the smart thing to do.

EDIT: BTW, for anyone else reading, I didn't know the chain was supposed to have an arch to it, I was replacing it because some of the plastic guide rollers (in the center of chain) had cracked and had flat spots and would not roll smoothly.

azpete · 02-08-2019, 07:13 AM

i would replace both chains. the other chain is probably flattened also.
to have peace of mind, i would do both. you are already more than half way there. and you will have new parts on both mechanisms.
look at how many years the old chains and rollers have lasted. it would be a real pain if 8 months from now, the other chain had rollers start breaking.
i do know know why the rollers break, but i do know if both are replaced, it eliminates one more worry about repairs.
paul

CountryB · 02-08-2019, 07:39 AM

Great advice! Thanks

lwasouth · 02-08-2019, 07:50 AM

Synchronizing room cylinders - 2 years ago, after replacing a hydraulic hose, I could not find anyone that knew how to Synchronizie the cylinders. Talked to HWH and on the way home I detoured and went to HWH. A tech showed me a new procedure that was unknown. It is very simple, but works, because the entire HWH system is all internally connected !
FIRST Put all jacks all the way down. NEXT Store all jacks. NOW REPEAT Jacks Down again and Store. SECOND Put slide out, then in. System is sycronized. AMAZING

CountryB · 02-08-2019, 10:07 AM

Thanks for sharing that tip - that will come in handy someday.

But in my case, I'm talking about synchronizing the two hyd cylinders used for the Room slideout.

Ray,IN · 02-08-2019, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lwasouth

Synchronizing room cylinders - 2 years ago, after replacing a hydraulic hose, I could not find anyone that knew how to Synchronizie the cylinders. Talked to HWH and on the way home I detoured and went to HWH. A tech showed me a new procedure that was unknown. It is very simple, but works, because the entire HWH system is all internally connected !
FIRST Put all jacks all the way down. NEXT Store all jacks. NOW REPEAT Jacks Down again and Store. SECOND Put slide out, then in. System is sycronized. AMAZING

That is also the only way to purge all air from the system after it has been opened. Just be sure to top-off the Hydraulic fluid reservoir after every time the jacks are stored. Do NOT use standard hydraulic jack oil!

The HWH online Technical School has very useful information.