Happi Jack Hydraulic Jacks- seal repair... Have the seal kit, need to do the repairs

[fkovalski]

I have the hydraulic Happi Jack camper jacks on my TC. One has been leaking quite a bit and based on opinions, it is probably best to repair all 4.



I got the kits from HJ and while they included copies of the jack owner's manual with install instructions, there is not much towards how to replace the seals. I am sure it is a straightforward job, but just throwing out a line here to see if anyone has done this type of repair before and are there any tips or advice before I begin.



Thanks,

-frank.

 

[KBennett]

Bump..... I may have to do the same thing on a camper I am looking at.

 

[fkovalski]

I am in the process of starting the repair on my worst one. It is in the vice, dripping the remaining fluid. I will keep you posted as to the progress.



Would be nice to know little things, like how much fluid, procedures, etc...

 

[fkovalski]

update....

Well, I started in on the rebuilding the hydraulic jacks this week. Here are some observations:



One item to look for is to see if there is any pitting on the ramrod. There are 2 areas to look for: one is the “full retracted position” (traveling position) and …the other is the “off truck position” (sitting on ground, lowest leveled point. ) Over time, sitting in these positions, the minimal moisture that had collected within the tubes has caused pitting on the ram rod. I will try to ‘polish’ the rod and reassemble it hoping for the best. But, new seals passing over pitted metal can damage new rubber. Installing the new parts while using the pitted ramrod may wipe and damage new seals.



I have 1 of the four jacks that was leaking bad enough to lose all of the fluid. The seal repair itself is straightforward. Hopefully the repair will hold for a while. I may look into seeing if new ramrods are still available, but if they are- it may be cost prohibitive to proceed. I am probably not going to attempt the other 3 as they are still holding fluid.



If one were to do the same repairs as I am doing, carefully inspect the components as described. Also- disassemble and inspect/ compare seals and O rings and compare them to the ones in the seal kit. I have not opened the plastic seal package yet, but via visual observation I can see that not all the parts in the container are present. I will need to call the seal kit provider to obtain the correct o-rings as local parts stores inform me that they are not standard type automotive o-rings.