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Topic: Hydraulic hoses/fittings (Read 693 times) previous topic - next topic

Hydraulic hoses/fittings

It's that time of year again...  We're going to be driving up and down the east coast again and then most likely venturing out across the country.  We just don't learn our lesson  ;D  Anyway, I had plans to go over the hydraulic system.  It's still quite a mess back there from the previous explosion so I'm going to use simple green and hot water to wash everything.  I'm going to tear apart my previous wrapping and install something better to protect against chafing.  I may drain the hydraulic system and replace a hose or two.  I am going to buy one of these in 3/4":

#12 Field Repair Kit for 3/4 inch Hydraulic Hose

But I was also wondering if anyone knew the hose diameter of the power steering hoses?  I imagine it's half inch but hopefully someone on here can comment so I don't have to bother anyone at Foretravel or go guess with a caliper.  Really any of the 3/4 hoses can be pulled and remade at the nearest hydraulic shop so a breakdown is a matter of a few calls and some driving whereas the power steering lines would really need to be repaired in the field as they run the length of the rig.  I can't even imagine how hard it would be to pull new steering hoses.

Also does anyone have any tips on removal of some of the 3/4" hoses from the fan motors?  They are placed right next to each other such that getting a big wrench in there is really difficult.  I wonder if maybe I need to avoid the large adjustable wrenches I have and instead buy a larger wrench set.  If anyone has any tips and tricks on that I would appreciate it in case I need to get in there.

EDIT: I see that there are 2 wire vs 1 wire hydraulic hoses and other finer points so I guess I have stuff to figure out before my emergency kit will be complete.

Re: Hydraulic hoses/fittings

Reply #1 –
I had a chaffed hose leak out all over while going down the road.  Didn't notice until a passer-by pointed to the back of coach.  Having fittings will not help unless you also carry enough hydraulic fluid to replenish the system.  I just called the 800 number and got towed to a Cummings shop.  David
David & Lou Ann Bouchard
Summer: Mount Vernon, Ohio
Winter: RiverBend Motorcoach Resort  LaBelle, Florida
2003 U320 38' Build #6174 "Willie"
2013 Cadillac SRX Toad
MC #17151 FMCA #F431393

Re: Hydraulic hoses/fittings

Reply #2 –
My only advise is to buy the "really big" wrenches from Harbor Freight. SAE Jumbo Combination Wrench Set - 6 Piece The combination wrenches will work in a pinch but are heavy and awkward to work with compared to real wrenches.

see ya
ken
The selected media item is not currently available.ken & dori hathaway & Big Agnes
🍺1992 U300 GrandVilla WTBI #4150 FOT FBP 2011
✨6V-92TA DDEC Parlor Coach 350HP Series 92
🏁2011 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X

Re: Hydraulic hoses/fittings

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Retired Navy Chief –
I had a chaffed hose leak out all over while going down the road.  Didn't notice until a passer-by pointed to the back of coach.  Having fittings will not help unless you also carry enough hydraulic fluid to replenish the system.  I just called the 800 number and got towed to a Cummings shop.  David

It would help me.  I can buy that oil at any auto parts store.  The fittings are only available at NAPA's or somewhat more specialty stores.  Plus if I break a 42 foot power steering hose I am going to need to repair it to continue my trip in a reasonable amount of time or to get the coach to a shop without a tow.  There are a few scenarios I can think of where field serviceable fittings could be helpful.

Re: Hydraulic hoses/fittings

Reply #4 –
Quote from: kenhat –
My only advise is to buy the "really big" wrenches from Harbor Freight. SAE Jumbo Combination Wrench Set - 6 Piece The combination wrenches will work in a pinch but are heavy and awkward to work with compared to real wrenches.

see ya
ken

Thanks I'll probably get that set.  I see that they have them with shorter handles but I don't know if you'd be able to get the leverage necessary if they were shorter.

Re: Hydraulic hoses/fittings

Reply #5 –
I use this hex offset smooth jaw wrench for hydrlalic fittings. Works very well.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Hydraulic hoses/fittings

Reply #6 –
Forgot to add, you can use a hammer or cheater pipe for leverage.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Hydraulic hoses/fittings

Reply #7 –
When you are looking for chaffed hoses, consider this:  I had a hose rupture that wasn't near any thing.  It blew out about 1" above the compression fitting and in the open.  What I determined was that it had too tight of a bend radius from the frame to the engine and over time it just weakened at that point from over flexing.  When I had the new hose fabricated, I added an extra inch to it to give it that extra flexing room.  (it was the hose from the frame to the steering hyd. sys. on the engine, a 1/2" hose as I recall)  Quite a mess to clean up, had it steam cleaned the best I could.  Still have some cleaning with soap and water to do.  I didn't see any other hoses that were like this, but I did add some anti-chaffing in some potential areas.  As a general work item, I'm looking at replacing all of the hoses over time.  I'm not sure how much of the line that goes forward to the steering box is hose, I think that a lot of it is pipe.  Most of the line around the cooling fan is pipe.  Have a great day  ----  Fritz
Fritz & Kathy Johnson
1991 36'

Re: Hydraulic hoses/fittings

Reply #8 –
I bought one of these: Large Soft Bristle Brush - Walmart.com 

I am going to hook the hose up to the hot water outlet and use regular car wash soap, hot water and this brush and get underneath and get myself generally soaked and filthy cleaning it up.  Just 2 days ago I washed and waxed the rig (I think I'm still tired from that) and I used this soap.  CWS101 - Maxi Suds II - 1 Gallon - ES#2619041  It took the oil residue off the ladder like it was dust.  This was with cold water even.

After that I'll go through and check how my anti-chafing is holding up and redo them.