HydraulicJacks slow to retract 1997 Winnebago Sunflyer

[Metis]

I have run into a issue, with leveling jacks . All four will go down but the rear are lazy.to return.
The unit is a1997 Winnebago sunflyer Itaska on a Ford f53 chassis. Has any one come across with this issue

[BobC]

I'm assuming you have HWH hydraulic jacks. If so, here are a couple of HWH links that might be helpful:

https://www.hwhcorp.com/ml44725.pdf Note that the acceptable retraction time varies by temperature and, depending on the size of the jacks, can vary from 4 to 7 minutes above 60 degrees F, longer for lower temperatures.

https://www.hwhcorp.com/ml35963.pdf (Even if this isn't your exact model, the principles are the same, see part 15)

And here are links to a bunch of Winnieowner threads on this topic:

https://www.google.com/search?q=hwh+...nnieowners.com

[Ray,IN]

Be realistic, check your retraction times against the chart Bob provided.



First step. spray the jack-shafts with WD40, wipe off, do the same with ATF to clean and lubricate them. Inspect the shaft seals on each jack, they can become packed with oil N dirt mixed, carefully remove it with a tiny screwdriver, without damaging the seal.

The rears will always retract slower, the hoses are much longer than front jacks.
Look at the fluid in your hyd. reservoir, is it clean and clear? If it is cloudy and dirty looking remove all the fluid and replace with clean Dextron III ATF or HWH specific oil if available. If that doesn't help with dirty contaminated oil, an extreme cleaning might be required. This involves removing the jacks, draining and refilling them, and the hoses.
That is a LOT of work, so it's a last resort. Then all the air must be purged from the system, again a lot of work.

[Ray,IN]

I forgot to mention the retraction springs. If they are not tapered on each end they are the old style. Perhaps new springs will help if the cleaning doesn't.

[Metis]

Hi Ray.
What I have done is cleaned the rear jacks ,then sprayed them with wd40 left them extended for 2 days.
So far they retract just the right rear takes a little longer, I will keep on monitoring them.
Thank you for helping. Michael

[Ray,IN]

Reference the chart on retractions times; note that the RR jack is always the slowest to retract. It's the furthest from the reservoir and has the longest hose.

[Mtn Charlie]

25+ year old retraction springs just might be the issue, especially if the jacks are usually extended for a long period of time. .