Lazy Stabilizer

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Tin man

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Joined
Feb 20, 2011
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Location
Long island NY
All jacks go up, but the front jacks are a little lazy.  Any suggestions?  About 4 inches short. They eventually go up.  Can I drive away with a little silver showing?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Jim
in ORL OUTDOOR RESORTS.
 
I'm guessing you have the type of jack that is lowered hydraulically but raised by a spring. If so, this symptom usually suggests a need for lubrication of the jack cylinder. If they are Power Gear jacks, there may be a zerk (grease fitting) near the bottom of the cylinder. If so, give each jack a squirt of grease. Also, with the jack extended, wipe the shiny part with a clean rag dampened with automatic transmission fluid, which will clean and lubricate the ram itself.

If you can still see a bit of silver when it is up, you may get an intermittent "jacks down" alarm as you drive.
 
Thanks Gary

Power gear jacks? They are HWH. So much for my knowledge.. There are springs on either side of the jacks. I thought I read somewhere that you should not lubricate the parts due to a chance of dirt and debris accumulating on the jacks.

Jim
 
Yes, there is a lot of confusion on whether you should lubricate the HWH jacks or not.  HWH recommends not using a lubricant, but if you talk to their techs, they all seem to have a different opinion.


I just had my coach in for service at LeMesa in Tucson for just the problem you are having.  I thought both my rear jacks were bad because I finally had to finish the jack retraction by helping it along with a 2x4. They 'fixed' the problem by cleaning and lubricating the shiny metal area. They said the seals were extremely dry.  What they told me is that if your coach is going to remain somewhere for more than a week, then when you are about to leave, while the jacks are extended spray with a dry lubricant and wipe thoroughly. Then give them a light spray and retract and extend a couple of times.  While you are traveling the jacks are now stored inside and not subject to dirt.  When you extend them at your next stop, the shafts will be dry, clean and shiny.


My jacks are working perfectly now.  (I hope I didn't jinx myself).
++Larry
 
Education time what is a dry lubricant? I guess I can google it, but I'm sure it is raining some where and some one has some time to ans.

Jim
 
sorry, yes - I was thinking a silicone spray.  I just checked what I used.  After the tech fixed up and lubricated the rear jacks, I took a stab at the front jacks.  They were retracting ok, albeit a little slow, but they were making a noise (hard to describe).  I used a spray that I had on hand, and on closer inspection, this is what I used:


Boeshield T-9 rust & corrosion protection waterproof lubrication.


There is no longer a noise when retracting, and now all 4 jacks come up quickly and quietly.
 
Just to complicate things, here is what HWH says:
http://www.hwhcorp.com/ml47149.pdf


As you can see from their website, they say to use WD-40 before retracting a slow jack.  Someone told me that WD-40 was not good for the seals, but I guess HWH must know what they are talking about.  I had good luck with the T-9 lube, and I think I will stick with something I know works.
 
Wow now I'm confusd.......WD 40 is like duct tape. It can fix anything.. Heck I'll try everything. May be I will  get better MPG. 

Thanks for the info the service buliten has more info than the coach book.

Jim
 

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