hydralic leveler popping

[dandt]

We have a 2014 3402 with the automatic leveling system and they are always popping. Someone mentioned once about adding some fork-oil. Does anyone know what kind(type) we should get and how much do you put in?

[richfaa]

Go to about any store like NAPA and ask for Fork oil. One quart as I remember and it works.

[1retired06]

Maxima 15WT fork oil. I added one quart. The Lippert manual that came with your unit provides specifics on product selection and how to add ..

[WeBeFulltime]

I added a quart (Litre?) and still have the popping with temperature change.

[1retired06]

one quart worked for me. Maybe try adding a bit more.

[dieselguy]

Introduction:
If there is a popping noise in a Lippert Leveling system, Lippert has approved adding a quart of anti-stiction
fluid. Approved fluids are listed by brand name and fluid characteristics below:
1. Torco RFF Grade 15 (Fig. 1)
2. Maxima Fork Oil Grade 15 (Fig. 2)
3. Caterpillar Hydraulic Oil Additive 1U-9891 (Fig. 3)
For maximum results in the shortest amount of time, please follow the preparation and procedure exactly
as written below. Failure to follow the preparation and procedure may result in delayed resolution of the
audible disturbance.
Preparation:
1. Obtain a clean container (large enough to hold a quart of fluid)
2. Obtain a fluid extraction device (siphon, turkey baster, etc.)
3. Fully retract all hydraulic cylinders and jacks.
Process:
1. Using the fluid extraction device, remove one quart of fluid from the power unit reservoir.
2. Add 1/2 quart of the specified fluid.
3. Extend all hydraulic cylinders and jacks fully.
4. Add the remaining amount of the specified fluid.
5. Fully retract all hydraulic cylinders and jacks.
6. Run the Auto-Level feature on the Level-Up system per the instructions found in the Owner's Manual.
NOTE: If the noise persists, the addition of a second quart may be necessary. Follow steps 1 through 6.

[jcurtis934]

I used the carepillar additive and have wonderful results. Before adding, even small temp changes would cause popping. Some of them were so violent, I thought we must have lost a bunch of height...but no. John

[rohrmann]

A quart of the Caterpillar additive worked for us too. It's been two years since adding the fluid and we have had no popping since.

[richfaa]

With temp change you will get popping fork oil or not.

[DQDick]

We had it when the rig was new, but it went away before Lippert came out with the fix.

[RKassl]

Ok, what are you folks talking about, we have a new 2015 with the Levelup System. Please enlighten me.

[mail2us]

Here is additional Lippert information concerning cures for
the popping noise in a Lippert Leveling system. Lippert has numerous
technical info sheets on their website for support. This sheet is
#295 on the list you can click below.

There are two more products available to you in addition to the
Fork Oil.
Good Luck. Dennis

http://lci1.com/assets/content/suppo...heets/0295.pdf

[RKassl]

OK, but that doesn't tell me what is happening, is this some sort of hydraulic leak?

[dieselguy]

Hummmm ... I sure thought what Dennis posted was what I posted several replies earlier without the photos of oil bottles. As for the explanation ... some owners of RV's with the level up system installed experience popping noises after they set up on the campsite. For no better description, it is settling of the RV on the hydraulic jacks. Thus the popping noise. Lippert has suggested adding an oil additive in place of some of the oil already in your hydraulic reservoir to cure the issue. We are not talking about a leak, but popping noises as the RV settles in. If you don't hear any popping noises after being set up ... no need to go out and buy the fluid.

[hickory]

Not to be concerned, my friends. We, too, went to bed at night wondering what that noise was, but after a .season of use it just disappeared.

[Tom S.]

quote:Originally posted by RKassl

OK, but that doesn't tell me what is happening, is this some sort of hydraulic leak?

No, it's not a leak. I believe it's caused from air trapped in the fluid/lines.

[WeBeFulltime]

quote:Originally posted by hickory

Not to be concerned, my friends. We, too, went to bed at night wondering what that noise was, but after a .season of use it just disappeared.

Our 2012 was pop free for about 3 years and then started it. No leaks anywhere and fluid level normal. 1 qt fork oil did not stop it. Will add another qt and plan to make it the Cat brand this time.

[dandt]

Thanks everyone....always helpful

[jcurtis934]

I read about what Catepillar went through in the development of their product for commercial equipment and the testing done. That convinced me that they had a real good handle on what was occurring and their fix. The issue for level up users is one that occurs with temperature changes while the unit is sitting on its site with the levelers down. I heard small popping single and multiple, i heard loud single pops, i heard multiple pops during the night as temperature continued to drop. This is a temperature delta thing...meaning that if the aluminum levelers are warm from the daytime temps and the temp drops at night, then a pop will be heard IF you are awake. A couple times I was jarred out of sleep. How much and how fast of a change is needed...don't know as I never tracked it. I have always used 2 by 12's at 18 inches long under each leveler pad and it still popped. Since aluminum is a fantasic conductor of heat and cold...air temps on the rams is what causes it to occur more so than steel rams. I never had an issue on the rams in my diesel pusher, but sure had it a lot with these. john

[Dmcgrew]

I added the Cat fluid and it eliminated a significant noise problem. Cat fluid a little expensive but well worth it in my case.