Community Forums

Rludtke · 04-05-2014, 03:26 PM

I'm seeking HWH Leveling Jack service and repair expertise, anybody?

Three out of four jacks on my 1993 M34J will not retract the hydraulic pistons after the jack has been commanded to the stowed position and pressure has been removed from the jack. The jacks will only retract as much the weight of the coach will push the ram back in, then the swing springs swing them up into the stowed position but with the piston still partly extended. In fact, I have had to drive the coach off of the depressurized jacks in order to get them to swing up into the stowed position. The problem is, because the piston ram remains partly extended, it is too long to be deployed the next time you command them to deploy. The jacks will be to long to swing down to vertical without hitting the ground first, and then can not be used to raise the coach.

I suspect this is a common problem. Does anyone know the solution? Can these hydraulic rams be overhauled? Have the seals become to tight? Is the pump supposed to reverse to draw the piston up?

94-Newmar · 04-06-2014, 06:18 AM

Rick,

I'll assume you have the HWH 200 series - single lever to operate in an "+" type/shaped gate and 2 release levers. Very good system!

Your system powers the levelers out and relies on the springs to retract them. The large cylinders are rebuildable - just about any local hydraulic shop can do them. If you prefer you can send them to HWH and they will rebuild them as well. You are correct; the seals do go bad and become wedged/twisted.

There is also a small hydraulic cylinder on each that swings the leveler foot 90 degrees. Those also can go bad - last time I looked for rebuild kits for the small cylinders they were not available, but the entire cylinder was still available.

Rludtke · 04-07-2014, 06:53 PM

My HWH system is the 110 series with the four individual levers one for each actuator located on the floor. Levers move outbd to pressurize, and inbd to unpressurize. center or neutral is, well neutral.

Can I rebuild the actuators in-situ (in the frame)? I noticed that the foot appears to be welded to the actuator piston, which means the piston will not be removed out the top of the cylinder (cylinder in the extended position). The piston must then drop out the bottom of the cylinder? Is there a gland nut or something similar at the lower end of the cylinder that removes to allow the piston to be removed and seals replaced? Where might I find and overhauls or parts manual? Does HWH use highly specialized seals, or could they be matched up at my local napa?
I am suspicious that my springs are stretched or tired as well, but I doubt that this is the cause of the problem. I suspect that replacing the springs would be a good idea though. Any ideas where they can be sourced?
Does HWH sell parts?
Thanks for your help.

deputydog · 04-07-2014, 07:04 PM

I have the fulltime vertical rams so I'm not familiar with your exact system, but my rams get slow at times and I was told by the factory to give them a shot with WD-40. I usually squirt them down and them gently wipe them with a clean cloth to remove any softened dirt and grit and then a final squirt and they are good to go.

I've been doing that several times a year for 4 or 5 years with no adverse effects on the rams. I also replaced my springs with the newer ones that are a bit stronger and that helped too.