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Old 12-10-2007, 06:30 AM   #1
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Hi: Searched for and read previous threads about deploying HWH jacks and in one thread there was a discussion about lubricating the cylinders. (One of my jacks was taking longer than acceptable to fully retract). GaryKD made what seemed to be a good suggestion (based on experience) about using Solder Seal Gunk Liquid Wrench Multi-Use Lubricating Oil (available at Lowes) on the jack cylinders to be first applied once/week for four weeks then once per month thereafter as it takes that four week breakin phase to become effective. At any rate, as is often the case since I'm mechanically inept, one question leads to another...and...here it is: To apply the lubricant is it recommended that I fully extend the jacks in order to raise the rig high enough to expose the jack cylinders as much as possible...and...so I can fit under the rig to access the jack cylinders. With the air bags dumped and the jacks deployed (at least in our current location) there isn't much room to get under the rig...and...the cylinders are only partially exposed. Also, is it o.k. to extend the jacks from there current position without going through the auto leveling cycle? Thanks. Steve
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Old 12-10-2007, 06:30 AM   #2
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Hi: Searched for and read previous threads about deploying HWH jacks and in one thread there was a discussion about lubricating the cylinders. (One of my jacks was taking longer than acceptable to fully retract). GaryKD made what seemed to be a good suggestion (based on experience) about using Solder Seal Gunk Liquid Wrench Multi-Use Lubricating Oil (available at Lowes) on the jack cylinders to be first applied once/week for four weeks then once per month thereafter as it takes that four week breakin phase to become effective. At any rate, as is often the case since I'm mechanically inept, one question leads to another...and...here it is: To apply the lubricant is it recommended that I fully extend the jacks in order to raise the rig high enough to expose the jack cylinders as much as possible...and...so I can fit under the rig to access the jack cylinders. With the air bags dumped and the jacks deployed (at least in our current location) there isn't much room to get under the rig...and...the cylinders are only partially exposed. Also, is it o.k. to extend the jacks from there current position without going through the auto leveling cycle? Thanks. Steve
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Old 12-10-2007, 07:17 AM   #3
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Well, the opinions will fly on this one but there is one thing for certain, NEVER under any circumstance crawl under the coach (or even stick you arm between a tire and the body) with the jacks carrying any weight. If a hose ruptures, you have about 1 second before you are a pancake or armless. Just don't do it without properly rated jack stands. Actually the same will apply to aired up air bags, if a line ruptures same affect. If you comfortably fit under an aired down coach, then maybe OK. Just don't do it.

With that my two cents is don't make a big deal about lubing the jacks. Bulldozers are left in the rain and they don't lube the cylinders (same hydraulic system). If you must, and I admit I do on occasion, just level the coach normally (no need to fully extend) and reach from outside and spray the exposed cylinders as best you can. Retract as normal. I'll do this occasionally before I stow the jacks prior to departing. Takes about a minute for all four. Anything more and you are making much ado about nothing.

The point is you are simply trying to get a little lubricant on the o-ring seals and whether fully or partially extended that will happen either way. In time, it will also work around to the back side of the jacks (the side you can't safely spray directly from the outside).

For us "over maintainers" it's just another something "fun" to do. For the rest of us, it's quite unnecessary. A slow jack (probably a rear one) is not going to be sped measurably doing this. Have the retraction spring increased.
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Old 12-10-2007, 08:19 AM   #4
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My 04 DSDP has slow jacks as well. Talked to a tech at HWH. He said two things, 1 You may lubricate them with WD 40 but wipe it off before retracting. I will most likely be using Liq. Wrench. 2. Probably need the new springs they have which are stronger, (since all 4 of mine are not only slow but must be pushed up occasionally. $25 a pair. (They are tapered at the ends)
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Old 12-10-2007, 08:46 AM   #5
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While at HWH last summer I chatted with several of the techs while they replaced the jacks on my brother in law's motorhome. They all said to never lubricate the cylinders because whatever you use may react with the seals and cause them to expand or shrink.

They recommend using whatever you chose to clean the cylinders and wipe it off completely. All you want to do is clean the cylinders.

Many of the original springs were barely strong enough to retract the jacks and the springs lose tension over time. HWH has made stronger springs for various models of jacks and if you are still under warranty they will supply them free. If out of warranty they will sell them to you for a good price.
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Old 12-10-2007, 09:29 AM   #6
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Norm Payne:
While at HWH last summer I chatted with several of the techs while they replaced the jacks on my brother in law's motorhome. They all said to never lubricate the cylinders because whatever you use may react with the seals and cause them to expand or shrink.

They recommend using whatever you chose to clean the cylinders and wipe it off completely. All you want to do is clean the cylinders.

Many of the original springs were barely strong enough to retract the jacks and the springs lose tension over time. HWH has made stronger springs for various models of jacks and if you are still under warranty they will supply them free. If out of warranty they will sell them to you for a good price. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Did you meet my buddy Fred,great guy.I spent a week there last month. Great trainng course.
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Old 12-10-2007, 11:23 AM   #7
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Please forgive my ignorance, but... what is "HWH"? Ginger
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Old 12-10-2007, 11:45 AM   #8
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HWH is for HWH Corp one of the larger makers of the hydraulic jacks used in RVs to level them. Many other hydraulic type products as well.
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Old 12-10-2007, 11:48 AM   #9
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John & Ginger: Ya know...I'm guilty of doing EXACTLY what I wished others wouldn't do when posting on these threads...I used initials (in this case "HWH" when posting my questions)...and BOY!!! I know how frustrating that is for readers trying to learn something when we aren't familiar with these shortcut references..S O R R Y!!!! HWH is the name of the corporation that manufactures the automatic leveling system installed in many rigs. I DON'T know what the "HWH" stands for but they're located out of Moscow, Iowa. Again, sorry for using the initials but I sure can see how easy it is for posters to use such terms without remembering there are readers out there struggling to learn something...LIKE ME!!! Steve
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Old 12-10-2007, 02:58 PM   #10
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The information posted by me, mentioned in the OP (Original Post) works, for me. My jacks began to get slow to retract. I consider them slow if they are not retracted after I finish my walk around. The product mentioned leaves no residue.

I spray my jacks' pistons about once every 3 months. I do not wipe the jack pistons myself but retract the jacks after, I spray them. All my jacks will fully retract in less than one minute.
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Old 12-10-2007, 07:06 PM   #11
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Chickadee:
John & Ginger: Ya know...I'm guilty of doing EXACTLY what I wished others wouldn't do when posting on these threads...I used initials (in this case "HWH" when posting my questions)...and BOY!!! I know how frustrating that is for readers trying to learn something when we aren't familiar with these shortcut references..S O R R Y!!!! ... Steve </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hey, Steve! No Problem!! I appreciated your questions, because we have had some of the same ones. Always appreciate your input and Q's! (By the way, do you ever check your email or PM's?)
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Old 12-11-2007, 04:47 AM   #12
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As posted by Norm Payne:
"... They all said to never lubricate the cylinders' shafts because whatever you use may react with the seals and cause them to expand or shrink..."

I use Dexron ATF on a paper towel.

"..They recommend using whatever you chose to clean the cylinder's shafts and wipe it off completely. All you want to do is clean the cylinder's shafts.." (italics mine)..

"..Many of the original springs were barely strong enough to retract the jacks and the springs lose tension over time.."

This is the #1 reason for storing the Coach
with the jacks UP..IMHO...besides the obvious,
keeping the shafts clean...
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Old 12-11-2007, 05:49 AM   #13
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John & Ginger: Yup, I do check my e-mail and "New PM's" pretty regularly....why? Steve & Lynette
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