Quote:
Originally Posted by lpasekof
I'm darned near positive I have a hydraulic leak. I have a 2003 Winnebago Journey DL on a Freightliner CC with a CAT 3126e.
I've already ruled out the hydraulic pump and since coolant lines and hydraulic lines run together I've eliminated the coolant.
The leak appears to be toward the front of the motor. VERY difficult to get to. The line I think is leaking is a grey braided vinyl or rubber like hose. It's covered in corrugated plastic protectant like many of the electrical wires are. The lines comingle with the exhaust coming out of the exhaust brake before bending down into the muffler. This is going to be a bear to fix!
So now the question. Would you fix it? It drips below the exhaust. Maybe 5 or 6 drops at a time. I have not yet detected any depletion in my hydraulic fluid - yet. I have not had any issues with my power steering.
This is kind of like some oil leaks on cars. Way cheaper to add a quart of oil periodically then invest in the repair. Thoughts?
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Ipasekof,
While I understand your thoughts on postponing a repair on this but, I might just throw in a word of caution here. You see, lots of motorhome fires, especially ones on diesel coaches, emanate from leaking hydraulic lines. We went on quite few during my career. Now, that does not mean yours will go up in flames tomorrow morning. It simply means, there's always a possibility of it happening. If it does, I think you'll know how bad you'd feel knowing, you had a leak and, it possibly caused the fire.
Anyway, back to reality, repairing things on these monsters is not always easy. I've done way more on mine than I care to admit. Sometimes, the hard way is, while possibly the safest but, most sensible. Bending sideways, holding yourself in an upside down position to use a wrench, is not fun. But, sometime is necessary. I'd go for the fix, if and when you have some downtime with the coach. Maybe even get a young, bendable tech in there to help you. Good luck.
Scott