SMC Jack Not Holding Pressure

[Dick Simonis]

Now I seem to have developed an issue with my left rear jack not holding pressure and, of course, most of the parks seem to require that I raise the left side when leveling.  Figure it's one of two possible problems...either the jack itself is leaking or there is a the extend solenoid is leaking back.  There isn't any evidence of a hydraulic fluid leak I'm ruling out a bad hydraulic line/fitting.

I seem to remember others have had jack problems so I reckon that's the most likely scenario.

What is involved in removing the LR jack and does anyone have any details about it such as dimensions, ram size, extend length and etc.  My first thought is to take it to a hydraulic shop and have this one repaired or a new one fabricated.  We will be home in about 3 weeks so I will live with it until than.

FYI, my coach has had the BCS manual system installed so I would not need anything associated with the old auto system.

What have others done?

thanks for any thoughts.

Thanks.

Dick

[Paul Meehan]

Dick, sorry to hear that you are experiencing this problem.  I had my coach at CAT at the end of June.  All four levelers were leaking to some degree.  All other components seemed to be in good shape.  CAT removed the levelers indicating the rears were more of a challenge.  Plugged the lines and here I sit almost 3 months later.  Fortunately we are not full-timers and the camping we do in Florida for the most part is on level sites. 
Through research and this forum I heard that initially the thought was the original levelers were not repairable possibly due to them being sealed units.  I then heard of a place in Kentucky that can rebuild them at $495 each plus freight (may be an old price) and even BCS has replacement levelers sold on an exchange basis at $995 plus freight each. 
CAT found a local hydraulic shop in Jacksonville that is in the process of rebuilding mine at a much lower cost.  Once he gets them back, CAT indicated one-hour of labor to reinstall and test them out.  My fingers are crossed!

Best of luck on finding a shop that will either build or rebuild your levelers.

[Dick Simonis]

Thanks for the info.  I wonder what is so special about these jacks.  Intuitively one would think a properly sized hydraulic ram could be used with the addition of whatever plates are necessary.  Guess I'll find out once it's removed.

Good luck with yours and if you could post some pics of the jack and some dimensions it would be greatly appreciated.

Dick