User Tag List

Thanks Thanks:  0
Likes Likes:  0
Results 1 to 9 of 9
  1. #1
    Setting Up Camp
    Join Date
    May 2021
    Posts
    27
    Mentioned
    1 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    O-ring on jack shaft twisted, a PITA to fix?

    Retracted all the jacks today and noticed a dribble of fluid on one of the foot plates. Leveled the camper back up and discovered the o ring was inverted.

    How much of a pain is this going to be to address?
    Could debris on the shaft during retraction cause this?

    Insight is much appreciated, we have a trip coming up soon!Click image for larger version. 

Name:	20220402_172035.jpg 
Views:	21 
Size:	61.6 KB 
ID:	39788

    Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
    2014 F-350 Platinum SRW
    2021 Solitude 378-MBS-R

    "Keep not standing fixed and rooted. Briskly venture, briskly roam."

  2. #2
    Site Team Second Chance's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Location
    Wherever...
    Posts
    9,011
    Mentioned
    187 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Lack of lubrication and/or sand or dust on the shaft (essentially the piston of the system) will cause increased friction. If the O-ring is on the outside, it happened the last time the jacks were extended. I've not done it, but my guess is that the jack has to be disassembled to replace the O-ring. There are several folks on the forum who are engineers and/or have lots of experience with hydraulics... perhaps one of them will chime in.

    In the meantime, the LCI manual calls for cleaning and wiping down the struts with silicone lube every 4 - 6 weeks.

    Rob
    U.S. Army Retired
    2012 F350 DRW CC LB Lariat PS 6.7
    2020 Solitude 310GK-R, MORryde IS, disc brakes,
    Sailun LRG tires, solar, DP windows, W/D
    (Previously in a Reflection 337RLS)
    Full time since 08/2015

  3. #3
    Long Hauler
    Join Date
    Jul 2021
    Location
    Platte City, MO
    Posts
    4,702
    Mentioned
    59 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    I don't see any way to replace that O-ring without disassembly of the unit. And a thorough check of the ram surface and oil supply for problems that would cause that. After looking closer, it's possible that is an oil seal and not an O-ring, and might be replaceable without disassembly, but no way I can tell from just a picture.
    Howard and Peggy
    2019 Momentum 351M, and 2018 RAM Cummins dually 6-speed.
    His: 1999 Honda Interceptor
    Hers: 2013 Spyder ST-S

  4. #4
    Site Sponsor Gronk1's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2018
    Location
    Northern California
    Posts
    642
    Mentioned
    12 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    My understanding is Lippert doesn't sell rebuild parts anymore. They only sell complete units. There was an old thread here where someone sourced parts & rebuilt one.
    I spray mine with Zep 45 & wipe 'em down every time before they are retracted, & still had one start to leak on our last trip. My repair guy has one ordered. 10-day delivery window, if they're in stock...about time that extended warranty paid for itself

    If your leaking fluid every time you extend, they are sucking in dirt & crud when retracted.
    Paul, Sue & Wonder Dog Zane
    '18 Solitude 310 GK
    "15 F-350 6.7, DRW, CC

  5. #5
    Seasoned Camper
    Join Date
    Dec 2019
    Posts
    170
    Mentioned
    3 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    The o ring seal in the picture is NOT what’s causing your fluid leak.. that is the wiper seal only and up inside there is another larger seal that is causing the fluid leak.. a decent hydraulic shop can rebuild the cylinder if you remove it and take to them..

    Also as stated by another OP the key to longevity of the wiper seal is keeping the outer cylinder pistons clean..

    I wipe mine down with motorcycle fork oil prior to retracting.. this cleans off the exposed piston and also lubricates that outer wiper seal

  6. #6
    Setting Up Camp
    Join Date
    May 2021
    Posts
    27
    Mentioned
    1 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Thanks for the insight guys. Our camper has been staged at my parents house for the last few months, so the leveling system has not been cycled in awhile. What dribbled out only happened upon retraction, and was not evident once leveled. So I'm willing to bet the shafts had collected debris that I now realize needs to be cleared prior to breakdown.
    We have a trip at the end of the month and I've only got 1 day a week free. Is this something that needs attention ASAP? My hands are encumbered as is.

    Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
    2014 F-350 Platinum SRW
    2021 Solitude 378-MBS-R

    "Keep not standing fixed and rooted. Briskly venture, briskly roam."

  7. #7
    Setting Up Camp
    Join Date
    May 2021
    Posts
    27
    Mentioned
    1 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Well as an update, it re-seated itself at some point [emoji16]

    Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
    2014 F-350 Platinum SRW
    2021 Solitude 378-MBS-R

    "Keep not standing fixed and rooted. Briskly venture, briskly roam."

  8. #8
    Seasoned Camper
    Join Date
    Nov 2019
    Posts
    160
    Mentioned
    1 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    You likely will continue to have an oil leak even though the wiper seal has returned back (the portion that you see, is not an o-ring, and does not hold pressure (as Viper02 said) but keeps dirt out) and it is difficult to predict when the pressure seal will leak enough that you can't build pressure to retract the rod. At least carry spare hydraulic fluid. Also watch the hydraulic tank level if possible until you can get it repaired so that pump is not damaged.

    I you can remove the cylinder (likely hardest part of job) and unscrew the gland nut shown in your photo it is quite easy to replace the seal and wiper. Just make sure that area is very clean before reassembly and do not scratch any surfaces. Look for any significant scratches on the rod/gland and lightly clean with a mild ScotchBrite pad only if there are significant scratches that might cut the seal.
    Last edited by TimtheToolMan; 05-28-2022 at 09:47 PM.

  9. #9
    Seasoned Camper
    Join Date
    Nov 2019
    Posts
    160
    Mentioned
    1 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    As Viper02 said, a hydraulic shop would be a good choice to do the work. This would save you time finding the wipers and seals and you would have confidence that it was done right.
    Last edited by TimtheToolMan; 05-28-2022 at 10:48 PM.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

DISCLAIMER:This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Grand Design RV, LLC or any of its affiliates. This is an independent site.