Fluid leak from levelers

dkrobath · 06-23-2015, 08:40 AM

I am out on the road and I noticed a fluid leak coming from the leveler on the front driver side. It is my 4th stop and have 4 more days till I get back home. The spot is about a 6 in circle. How much fluid is in the levelers and how much can I afford to loose till I have a real problem. Should I just head back now and cancel the rest of the trip? What do you suggest?

RLBCCB · 06-23-2015, 09:02 AM

I would look at the reservoir level first to see how much fluid is still in the tank. Mine is located behind the driver front tire at the first non-locked door. A six inch circle is not a lot of fluid IMO but how long has it been leaking, who knows. If the coach is still level then you are probably ok to continue your trip but keep an eye on the reservoir level each day. I would also take a rag and wipe off the jacks to make sure grit on them is not cutting the sills.

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Robin, Carolyn and Maggie the Schnauzer - 2015 Winnebago Vista 30T, 2014 Smart Car Toad

azpete · 06-23-2015, 09:07 AM

i would never cancel a trip unless my engine wouldnt start.
the fluid leak isnt that bad to cancel. just keep refilling the tank when it gets below 2 inches below the top.the one inch mark is full.
if you can, park the coach level without the jacks. there are repair centers along the way with a little planning, you may be able to get it replaced.
do you know the AP model number. i can get one sent to you if you can replace it yourself. its not that hard. i can walk you thru it.
call me at 602-549-3638. paul maddox

Sweetbriar · 06-23-2015, 09:30 AM

If you have the tools and mobility to get under the coach, with the jacks retracted, check the fluid line(s) for tightness. You don't need a 3' cheater bar to torque them down just a firm hand. If the fittings are tight the problem is likely the lower seal around the extending cylinder. Might be fixable at a hydraulic shop, but might not.

The fluid isn't fuel but hydraulic oil. Same basic stuff as what's in your automatic transmission so don’t worry about a possible fire and such. The problem you'll have is as the cylinder leaks the coach will slowly drop off the jacks back down onto the wheels but that would mean you've lost a quart or two of fluid. It's an inconvenience but nothing to pack it in and head for home. Until you can get the problem corrected find out what fluid is used in the system and get a spare quart which you'll need anyways for later when you can have the jack repaired. If the level gets too low the system may no long extend or even fully retract which would be inconvenient. All you'll need to do is refill the system and cycle it a few times to make it happy.

Leaving an oil spot at the camp site might be a bigger concern particularly from the CG owners prospective. First chance you get pick up a disposable foil roasting pan and extend the jack into the pan. It will catch the leak, give you an idea of how much is leaking and keep the camp host happy.

MaverickBBD · 06-23-2015, 02:01 PM

Keep on keeping on. With a visual inspection as to where the leak appears to be coming from might put your mind at ease. Do check reservoir level as advised an maybe carry a quart of a.t.f. It is probably an 'o' ring and not difficult to replace on the road. An auto parts store carries them. Make sure correct material if attempting en route. Jacks and slides operating o.k.? Have someone watch area of leak as you extend them.

Bryan66 · 06-26-2015, 11:55 PM

Hi All, I just had a hydraulic hose replaced. I was at a camp ground with a drip drip
thing going on around the real slide out. Turns out that Winnie did not use a good
quality hose and the seal around the fitting cracked that may be the problem.

cbeierl · 06-27-2015, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryan66

Hi All, I just had a hydraulic hose replaced. I was at a camp ground with a drip drip
thing going on around the real slide out. Turns out that Winnie did not use a good
quality hose and the seal around the fitting cracked that may be the problem.

HWH had a bad batch of hoses around the timeframe your coach was built. They might still be willing to pick up the tab for the repair if you contact them.

dkrobath · 06-30-2015, 03:33 PM

Got it into the shop. It's warranty work since this is a new coach. The main seal is leaking should be good to go. Thanks everyone.

azpete · 07-01-2015, 08:14 AM

chris, the hoses you mentioned, the hwh02 hoses ,were on 2001 to 2004 coaches. i havent found any of those in the last 5 years. hopefully there arent any of those left.

cbeierl · 07-01-2015, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azpete

chris, the hoses you mentioned, the hwh02 hoses ,were on 2001 to 2004 coaches. i havent found any of those in the last 5 years. hopefully there arent any of those left.

Bryan66 has a 2004 Journey, so he may be one of the lucky ones. I believe he's already sent an email to HWH.