Disconnecting a Hydraulic Hose ???

[Carl n Susan]

Thanks to everyone's comments and suggestions, I replaced the leaky hydraulic hose without any major incidents.

I did crib the frame up front. I used the LevelUp system (don't tell the LCI lawyers) to raise the front, placed the blocks, and then lowered the RV back down onto them. I was replacing the "Retract" hose, so after lowering the rig onto the blocks, I bumped the "Extend" button to try to equalize some of the pressure.

Being concerned about fluid spewing out when I removed the hose from the jack, I had my JIC37 1/4" cap at the ready. I also had a matching plug for the hose. I had it backwards. The jack didn't emit any fluid, but the hose drained out about a 1/2 cup or so. Lots of rags were placed in the area before I started, so not too much of a mess. But next time, have the plug for the hose ready first.

I have heard that Napa makes hydraulic hoses. Not so true, at least in the Sacramento area. There are seven Napas around me and not a one does it. I wound up using a hydraulic shop on the opposite side of town from me. They made up a 4' hose with two fitting in just 5 minutes and I was a walk-in. The $70 seemed pricey but everything today seems to be.

 

[foldbak]

Well done!

 

[Artfuldodger]

I just finished my yearly grease job. I use my garden spade under the loose tire and a 2x4 as a fulcrum to lift that heavy wheel onto the studs. Sometimes it's a challenge to line it up with the studs but it sure is easier than a straight lift.

 

[Carl n Susan]

Thanks artfuldodger, that is the trick I used last time. But if I can get my son to mount them for me, I will. He needs the experience; I don't.

 

[Mikendebbie]

Jumping back to this thread because my drivers side rear jack is leaking. The jack is currently in the down position.
I need to take it off so I can take it to a hydraulics shop and either buy seals so that I can repair it, or get a price from the shop for them to repair it.

Should I retract the jack before disconnecting the hoses? I intend to purchase some JIC plugs tomorrow. Are those available at Lowe’s or HD?

Edit: I contacted Lippert, sent them a photo to get the official part number for these jacks. There is no part number mark or tag on these. There is a sticker that says “tested 11-9-17”. Lippert says this is their GEN 1 jack, now replaced with GEN 2 jack part number 2024015100…$665.95…I assume that includes shipping. She also sent instructions for how to hook the hoses up to a GEN 2 jack. It is different than my GEN 1 and will require a Tee fitting. I hope I can beat the $665 cost!

 

[Carl n Susan]

....Should I retract the jack before disconnecting the hoses? I intend to purchase some JIC plugs tomorrow. Are those available at Lowe’s or HD?......

I would retract it first if you can. It is easier to get out from under the RV and easier to handle once you have.

 

[Dhuhn]

Yes retract the jacks otherwise it will be under too much pressure. You will still get some fluid coming out.

 

[RMcNeal]

I think there is a cap you can buy that will screw onto the hose end to prevent too much leakage once you disconnect it, but for the life of me, I can't remember what it's called. Maybe ChuckS will come along and tell you. He's probably forgotten more about these hydraulic systems than I'll ever know.

 

[Mikendebbie]

Daryles provided the plug sizes in a thread from Sept 2024…Thankyou Daryles!

 

[Mikendebbie]

I took my leaking jack to a local hydraulic shop for them to replace the seals. He called today to say that the piston is too scratched up to repair - so I will have to buy a new jack. I hate that when that happens!

 

[Todd & Mary]

Yup, haven't run across that. YET! Cant imagine they are inexpensive! Good Luck

 

[Mikendebbie]

Got my new Gen 2 rear jack installed this morning...ran it thru 5 cycles and auto-level, and it works...no leaks at the hose connections. I need to go check the torque on the bolts.

The one question I have concerns the T-fitting for the black retract hose. I screwed it into the top port and it "seated" at ~35* angle...not perfectly parallel like the original hoses were on the Gen 1 jack (see sketch - blue fitting). I don't think that is a problem but thought I would ask the experts.

The new jack was ~$700 from etrailer with tax.
Warning: I should have bought it from Lippert for about the same, because evidently, they ship it with the fittings you need.
I had to go to a local hydraulic shop to purchase the fittings, and they were about $15 each.