HWH Jack Spring Substitute - Last Resort

[Davide33]

I have a problem with a jack that does not want to return to the full up position on my 2004 Newmar Dutchstar. This leaves me with a "Jacks Down" light on the dash. Then I need to get out the floor jack, crawl under the RV and push the jack into position (lot of fun when its raining). I contacted HWH and ordered the spring (R34692). That was well over two months ago. Well, I just tried calling again and was told that they do not have have them in stock and have not heard from the vendor that supplies those springs in over 5 months! Nice.

I've looked all over and everyone seems to be out of this spring. Has anyone out there found a spring that will work in its place? I'm not talking an exact match. Just something that works.

[bentjm]

Have you cleaned rhe cylinders?

Have you exercised the manual overrides on the solenoids?

Have you swapped the hydraulic fluid - basically Dextron ATF?

If you are sure it is the springs, then swap them with a set from another corner and see what happens.

[spierce617]

Have you tried spraying the rods when they are down. This will lubricate the seals for the jack. I had the same problem and lubed the shafts before I was able to get replacement springs installed. This is the lube that I used on the shafts, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001447PEK...roduct_details. I sprayed it on and did not wipe it off before I retracted the jacks. It helped as the seals dry out and need some lubrication.

[Davide33]

Originally Posted by bentjm

Have you cleaned rhe cylinders?

Have you exercised the manual overrides on the solenoids?

Have you swapped the hydraulic fluid - basically Dextron ATF?

If you are sure it is the springs, then swap them with a set from another corner and see what happens.

Yes, I have cleaned and sprayed the jacks with silicone. When this works, its strictly short term. I have not tried changing the hydraulic fluid, as it looked pretty clear but that's definitely something to think about. The other jacks seem to go up fine which made me think it was weak springs. Either way its probably a good idea to change the fluid.

[Davide33]

Originally Posted by spierce617

Have you tried spraying the rods when they are down. This will lubricate the seals for the jack. I had the same problem and lubed the shafts before I was able to get replacement springs installed. This is the lube that I used on the shafts, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001447PEK...roduct_details. I sprayed it on and did not wipe it off before I retracted the jacks. It helped as the seals dry out and need some lubrication.

I've sprayed and cleaned the jacks with silicone in the past. But I'm willing to give anything a try. I tried the Amazon link. I don't think I've ever seen an item with over 4000 ratings and 5 stars. That's impressive. Definitely going to order some.

[Jon_C]

I had 2 hwh jacks with same problem, replaced jacks with new, problem resolved. I doubt very seriously its the springs.

As mentioned you can swap springs with another good jack.
Cut paint stir sticks into pieces and put between the coils while jacks down then raise jack and they come right off.

Now I always check jacks for cleanliness before raising, wipe or spray wd40 on them to keep the debris out of them. They get alot on them especially after it rains and splashes

[bentjm]

Originally Posted by Davide33

Yes, I have cleaned and sprayed the jacks with silicone. When this works, its strictly short term. I have not tried changing the hydraulic fluid, as it looked pretty clear but that's definitely something to think about. The other jacks seem to go up fine which made me think it was weak springs. Either way its probably a good idea to change the fluid.

Also, screw the manual releases in and out a few times.

Which jack is it that sticks?

[Davide33]

Originally Posted by bentjm

Also, screw the manual releases in and out a few times.

Which jack is it that sticks?

Its the driver front jack that sticks.

[Dutch Star Don]

here's one the same length and looks like size. It doesn't talk poundage, but maybe worth a try.

https://www.amazon.com/Trip-Spring-B...3490664&sr=8-2

[426smartin]

I got a rebuilt jack from here about 2 months ago--- Great people fast shipping got in in 2 days ---- Called HWH in July said i would a call back in about 2 weeks -----I did in December!!!!!

Stuart's Service - 2990 C.R. 6 W - Elkhart, IN - 800-826-6267 | 574-262-0225

[PJStough]

Originally Posted by Davide33

I've sprayed and cleaned the jacks with silicone in the past. But I'm willing to give anything a try. I tried the Amazon link. I don't think I've ever seen an item with over 4000 ratings and 5 stars. That's impressive. Definitely going to order some.

Use WD-40 and not silicone. Spray the seals where the rams go into the cylinder liberally with WD-40 and let it run down the rams and then retract the jacks. Do this a couple of times to soften the seals, and hopefully you should be good to go. I have been doing this with our Winnebago with the HWH jacks and I still have the original springs, and my jacks retract in less than two minutes.

[azpete]

call me.i can help.
paul maddox
602 549 3638

[Davide33]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

here's one the same length and looks like size. It doesn't talk poundage, but maybe worth a try.

https://www.amazon.com/Trip-Spring-B...3490664&sr=8-2

I found that same spring, but I was concerned because it only has about half the coils of the recommended spring. My current spring has 55 coils and the Amazon spring only has around 23 coils that I could count. I think that would limit the springs travel distance.

[Davide33]

Originally Posted by azpete

call me.i can help.
paul maddox
602 549 3638

Thanks for your help!