Community Forums

CountryB · 12-31-2018, 11:44 AM

My HWH X-Slide is leaking at the hydraulic cylinder. It's a model AP27707 (dual cylinders with synchronizing cylinder). On my coach its used on the front curb side (the living area sleeper coach and kitchen).

I have all the wood panels and covers off, but I can't reach it (there are only a couple of inches on either side of the mechanism - and not enough to reach behind it to get to the cylinder.

Has anyone changed their cylinder?

I'm thinking of unbolting the front mounting brackets top and bottom. Maybe that will let me pull the "X frame" out further to get to the cylinder mounts and lines.

I'm just not sure what that will do for me. I have to believe this cylinder can be removed with pulling the entire slide out of the coach or removing all the kitchen cabinets. If the leaking cylinder had been the one at the front of the slide out room, I think it would have been easy to work on - but my leak is at the rear cylinder.

Does removal of the front mounting brackets sound like a smart way to proceed? Or does someone have a better idea?

Thanks

BCam · 12-31-2018, 12:06 PM

Your best bet will be to PM azpete with your question and pointing him to this thread for details. He's an IVR2 member who works for HWH and has helped out a lot of us, including me, with HWH issues. He may eventually respond to this thread but the quickest way will be a PM.

iRV2 Forums - View Profile: azpete

CountryB · 12-31-2018, 02:13 PM

That's a good idea.
my first step is to make sure I have the correct manual/procedures. I spent many hours combing the HWH site - and I think I have the correct manual (expect that it's dated June 2006 and my coach is a 2005).

I have "ML21970 /MP45.9953 14JUN06" titled "Synchronizing Cylinder or Hose Assembly Replacement All Dual Cylinder Room Extensions (with synchronizing cylinder)"

Also the parts diagram I have is "mr412670.doc revised 22MAY17". It shows a retraction screw -item 9 (32" or 40" long) which I don't have, and I don't see a threaded block for it to screw into. So I don't know if any of the manuals/lists I have are correct.

I'm confused on the part number for the replacement cylinder too; it says "1*" Cylinder Assembly (no order number) and then "1A" 4-CTX-S 90D Male (order number RF1453), and "1B" 4-STX-S Male Branch T (order number RF90151). Finally item "2" Tube Assembly (Order number RAP91229). Item 2 does not point to the cylinder but says Tube Kit is included with replacement cylinder".
Clear as mud.

veraken · 01-01-2019, 06:10 AM

You can contact Paul at AZPETE on the Irv2 forum. He works for HWH and can answer your questions. His email is pfmaddox@att.net and his phone number is 602-549-3638. He is a Commercial Member and has posted that his phone is always on, and if not answered, leave a message.

He has helped others on this forum and I am sure he can help you.

CountryB · 01-01-2019, 03:00 PM

I contacted Pete by PM. He responded and is going to e-mail me the parts list.

It's pretty difficult to access this cylinder. But even if I took it to a shop and paid someone, it would still be as difficult (and labor expensive I think). So I might as well attempt myself.

On my coach, the X-Slide mechanism (the X-arms) are spread out the furthest when the slide is retracted. That means the cylinder is accessible but I have to reach past the length of the slide to reach the cylinder (which is at the rear wall). Ans there is only 2 inches clearance on each side between the face of the X-arm and the kitchen pantry on one side and the kitchen cabinets on the other side. Not enough room to get a hand or arm through.

If the slide is extended then the X-arms are folded up and you can't get to the cylinder.

There appears to be no easy way to do this - except try to remove the center pivot pin on the X-arm and take it out of the way (or disassemble the entire kitchen cabinetry/counter top/microwave/etc.

BCam · 01-02-2019, 09:29 AM

I'm not familiar with your MH but, in my experience with houses, RVs and other vehicles, the extra time and hassle of removing things like cabinets, etc. is, in the long run, worth it.

Disassembling the X arm, may look easier but could be more risky in terms of getting everything back together in proper working order and still not give you the needed access. It will also need to be re-assembled before bleeding the air out of the system or your slide will get mis-aligned as you cycle your pump to bleed the air. This could be a problem, especially if you can't reach the hose fittings with it in place.

Also, have you determined if it's the cylinder itself that's leaking or one of the hoses? I thought my synchronizing cylinder was leaking but it was a hose leaking at it's ferrule. I actually had to replace several hoses and still have one to go.

A hose replacement might be easier in terms of the needed access (and much cheaper). HWH had issues with some of their hoses made in the early 2000s. The hose lengths and other specs are critical so, if you do need to replace a hose, call HWH and order from them. I know others have had replacements made locally but HWH is prompt and easy to deal with. The part numbers are printed on a band at the ends of the hose. Note that some of the hoses may be much longer than they look like they need to be and that's by design in order to ensure balanced flows. If one hose needs to be 12' long to get to its cylinder but the other can reach it's cylinder in 8', both hoses need to be 12' long, so part numbers are critical. Therefore, don't decide to neaten things up with shorter hoses.

CountryB · 01-02-2019, 11:36 AM

Good advice Bob. Thanks.
It is definitely leaking out the top seal of the cylinder.

Removing the kitchen is not an option, but on the other side of the X-Slide is the pantry and Shower. That would be easier. Pete with HWH suggested I remove the center pin and front mounting on the X-arms. I'm not sure I can even get to the center pin, but that will be my first attempt. He also said I need to disconnect the other side (the other hydraulic cylinder or its mounts) so I can re-center the synchronizing cylinder when the time comes to reassemble.

Ironically, I had the wood trim and metal support trim off a couple of weeks before (when I was checking the condition of the flexible (spa hose) used for the sink drain line. That turned out to be fine. That's when I noticed the drip of hydraulic oil (ATF) on the ground below the cylinder.

Realizing how difficult the repair would be (and that it only leaks when the slide is operated) I decided to stuff some oil absorbent pads in there and put the job off. But last week I noticed the oil leak had found its way into the basement storage compartment below - so now I'm going to attempt to do the repair after all.

Just waiting on the parts list so I can order the correct cylinder. I prefer to have the the new cylinder in hand before I disassemble anything.

azpete · 01-02-2019, 11:42 AM

extend the room out and put support under it. remove the room brackets and hit retract. that may give you room to work on the mechanism. ive had to remove the cabinets many time. depending on the arrangement.
don't forget, unless you go to the factory, or a master service center, not many dealers have worked on these , so it's not going to take you much longer than a repair center to do the job.

center.

paul

CountryB · 01-02-2019, 12:35 PM

Excellent idea.

Can you confirm the correct part number for the cylinder? I suppose I could just call HWH with the model number.

There is a tag on the cylinder too but the place where p/n would be is blank.

BCam · 01-03-2019, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CountryB

Excellent idea.

Can you confirm the correct part number for the cylinder? I suppose I could just call HWH with the model number.

There is a tag on the cylinder too but the place where p/n would be is blank.

Sometimes I've been successful in taking a photo of faded labels and enhancing them on my computer (contrast, etc.) so that they're readable. Nonetheless, HWH should be able to help you out. You might want to take some measurements and maybe a photo to have in hand before you call to narrow things down, just in case.

I like azpete's advice about removing the room brackets. He knows his stuff.

CountryB · 01-03-2019, 10:03 AM

Pete send me a spreadsheet with all the part numbers.

I ordered the new cylinder this morning. HWH says it will take a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks to make the cylinder.

vito.a · 01-03-2019, 01:26 PM

If you have a hydraulic shop in your area they can usually rebuild a cylinder fairly quick. They can also use better quality seals so it will last longer.

CountryB · 01-03-2019, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vito.a

If you have a hydraulic shop in your area they can usually rebuild a cylinder fairly quick. They can also use better quality seals so it will last longer.

That did not occur to me - that would have have been smart. However it's ordered now and they have my CC number so no turning back.

But perhaps I should still have the old one rebuilt locally - might even be wise to install it in place of the other cylinder in that slideroom (as they are both the same age so the other one may be close to failing now). And since I have to take both X-slides somewhat apart to do the synchronization... replacing the other cylinder is only a little more work. Thanks.

djgaston · 01-03-2019, 07:34 PM

I need to work on the same cylinder on mine, except I broke the chain. This is all good info, I wasn’t sure how the heck I would access that with enough room to work. Interested to see how it goes for you!