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07-07-2022, 01:21 PM
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#1
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Chattanooga
Posts: 664
M.O.C. #20906
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Leaking Jack Cylinder
Good morning guys and girls,
My driver-side front jack cylinder is leaking. After being set up for about 10 days, I noticed a small pool of fluid on the jack foot. I wiped my finger under the bottom of the jack where the cylinder goes into the housing and found hydraulic fluid on it. I wiped it clean and went back to the camper this morning (3 days) and found the top of the pad wet, but would no pool of fluid. I checked the hydraulic fluid container and it does appear to be almost 1" low. Not sure the last time it was checked. We are scheduled to leave on a 10 week trip end of this month. My questions is it safe to go on our trip with it leaking like this? I'm doubting I will be able to get it replaced or repaired in time for our departure. For those of you that have had a similar problem, did it get worse, or just continue to leak? I know that I need to monitor the fluid level closer now and add as it gets low. And a second question, what type of hydraulic fluid to I get? Mine does not use ATF, or if it is ATF, it is not red it is an amber color. Can I mix ATF with what is in there now?
Thanks in advance
__________________
2019 Montana 3121RL
2017 XLT 350 SCLB DRW 4X4
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07-07-2022, 05:08 PM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Alton
Posts: 2,773
M.O.C. #24086
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If your fluid is red it is Automatic transmission fluid.
If it is yellow it is AW32W hydraulic fluid.
Either way you can add a quart of anti sticktion fluid per LCI (helps take creaking/popping out of jacks)
The LCI tech bulletin regarding this is in the Lippert NOW app.
The app has manuals and troubleshooting for all your Lippert equipment.
The App also has the specs for what type of ATF you need IF they filled your reservoir with ATF.
It seems like newer models all have hydraulic fluid.
I would not let this leak slow me down, BUT, after you level, I would put a jack under the frame, next to the leaking leg. That way it wont settle.
If you need to raise the front to hitch, it should be no problem.
When you get home, find a hydraulic shop to rebuild it.
__________________
Daryl and Marianne,
2019 3130re 20th Anniversary Edition
2016 F350 Lariat
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07-08-2022, 05:04 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 2,183
M.O.C. #25165
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Agree with Daryl. I had a middle jack that leaked from new and it took over a year to get it replaced under warranty due to Covid. I just added fluid as needed and kept an eye on it. It made a mess under the coroplast and on my snap pads, but I didn't let it slow me down. We put over 36,000 miles in the first 15 months.
I keep a gallon of AW32 and a quart of Maxima Fork Oil in the rig now.
__________________
Robert & Diana McNeal
2019 Montana Legacy 3791RD 20th Anniversary Edition
2014 F350 4x4 6.7L SRW
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07-08-2022, 06:43 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Chattanooga
Posts: 664
M.O.C. #20906
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Thanks for replies. I'll get a gallon of AW32 and a heavy duty jack stand and keep in the camper. I previously added a quart of anit-sticktion fluid. Keeping the reserviour topped off won't be a problem, I was just concerned about a rapid failure. Also will load the app. I did find on-line the recommended fluids. It didn't mention AW32, just pour point temperatures. Is that what the 32 is, a pour point temperature?
__________________
2019 Montana 3121RL
2017 XLT 350 SCLB DRW 4X4
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07-08-2022, 07:59 AM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Mountain Home
Posts: 848
M.O.C. #20949
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You most likely will never experience a rapid failure on the front LG..
First I would check the extend and return lines on that LG up at the top..wipe down really good and jist snug the JIC37 fittings
Verify also there is no seep of fluid at any of those lines at the compression swedge
I would then wipe both LG down with ATF, motorcycle fluid, AW32 fluid and cycle both front LG a few times to exercise the internal seals
Then monitor for evidence of fluid seeping as you travel
There is an outer wiper seal at the bottom of the LG cylinder and all it does it wipe the piston clean to keep crap away from the inner seals
If the issue continues with some seeping then yo7 have one of two options
Remove and have the cylinder rebuilt or buy a new one
Personally I would rebuild the cylinder.
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07-08-2022, 10:51 AM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Chattanooga
Posts: 664
M.O.C. #20906
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Thanks Chuck, I've already checked all connections, it's definitely coming form the bottom of the stationary part of the jack. Was hoping just a loose connection, but pretty sure it is a seal.
__________________
2019 Montana 3121RL
2017 XLT 350 SCLB DRW 4X4
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07-17-2022, 04:03 PM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Bencia
Posts: 538
M.O.C. #25828
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If the leak is from the seal pretty sure you will need to remove and rebuild or replace. Same issue.so tecently purchased a replacement hydraulic jack.
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07-17-2022, 06:11 PM
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#8
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Stark City
Posts: 89
M.O.C. #21339
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Common issue with copper washer and o ring on one of the top cylinder bolts, it is a banjo bolt. Great video on YouTube how to repair.
__________________
Indian Springs Farm
2018 3121RL Samsung Residential Fridge
2018 Ford F250 PSD Air Lift 5000
Sailun 637 tires Predator 3500 (2) paralleled
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07-17-2022, 06:45 PM
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#9
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Established Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Kirtland
Posts: 39
M.O.C. #22445
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Here is a hydraulic jack leak story that might help you. My front landing jack would weep enough fluid to keep the landing pad wet. I figured it was related to a seal. I discussed this with a friend who own his own hydraulic manufacturing plant. He said you service the leak when it costs more for the lost fluid than the cost of the repair. That not with standing, I got tired of doing nothing and while I wintered in my rig in Florida, I removed the jack and sent it out to a service facility. For less than $100 they replaced the seals and tested the cylinder. To my chagrin, the next morning there was the same wet spot on the pad. Later in the year, at home, I removed the cylinder and disassembled it. I just happened to run my finger around the internal bore surface and detected a very slight scratch. I buffed it by hand with a few strokes with some crocus cloth. Vola, it never leaked again. To not seep some fluid, the cylinder and piston must be almost perfect. It was over 2 years from my detection to my fix. No wonder most people just add fluid and keep on trucking.
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07-17-2022, 06:45 PM
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#10
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Established Member
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Hampton
Posts: 24
M.O.C. #26030
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Use a jack to be safe.
If your front end drops a few inches over night, and you are camping, your entry steps will jam up against the door and you will not be able to open the door leaving you will trapped inside. You will have to climb out a window..... (Ask me how I know)
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07-17-2022, 06:48 PM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: woodstock
Posts: 548
M.O.C. #8174
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Can’t repair just replace the only thing is beware of it coming down as you travel you might want to zip tie them up
__________________
Ed
Montana Master
Woodstock Ga
2020 3931 FB Legacy
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07-18-2022, 06:44 AM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Mountain Home
Posts: 848
M.O.C. #20949
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wed
Can’t repair just replace the only thing is beware of it coming down as you travel you might want to zip tie them up
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Yes. The front LG and mid/rear levels most certainly can be repaired ..
A ziptie WILL NOT hold any of those levelers retracted .. 2000 psi hydraulic pressure will snap any zip tie most Ricky tick
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07-18-2022, 11:56 AM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Chattanooga
Posts: 664
M.O.C. #20906
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fred
Use a jack to be safe.
If your front end drops a few inches over night, and you are camping, your entry steps will jam up against the door and you will not be able to open the door leaving you will trapped inside. You will have to climb out a window..... (Ask me how I know)
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Dang! Already order a jack stand.
__________________
2019 Montana 3121RL
2017 XLT 350 SCLB DRW 4X4
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07-18-2022, 11:57 AM
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#14
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Chattanooga
Posts: 664
M.O.C. #20906
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SterlingSilver
Here is a hydraulic jack leak story that might help you. My front landing jack would weep enough fluid to keep the landing pad wet. I figured it was related to a seal. I discussed this with a friend who own his own hydraulic manufacturing plant. He said you service the leak when it costs more for the lost fluid than the cost of the repair. That not with standing, I got tired of doing nothing and while I wintered in my rig in Florida, I removed the jack and sent it out to a service facility. For less than $100 they replaced the seals and tested the cylinder. To my chagrin, the next morning there was the same wet spot on the pad. Later in the year, at home, I removed the cylinder and disassembled it. I just happened to run my finger around the internal bore surface and detected a very slight scratch. I buffed it by hand with a few strokes with some crocus cloth. Vola, it never leaked again. To not seep some fluid, the cylinder and piston must be almost perfect. It was over 2 years from my detection to my fix. No wonder most people just add fluid and keep on trucking.
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Just picked up a gallon of AW32.
__________________
2019 Montana 3121RL
2017 XLT 350 SCLB DRW 4X4
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