Problem with goldschmitt levellers in Spain......

[Wh05apk]

Currently at an Aire in Burgos in Spain and our levellers have sprung a leak, the front right seems to be leaking from the bottom with no sign of fluid around the pipe connections.
Previously when we tried to use them the right rear dropped and unable now to lift as I think we have no fluid left.
It seems like we should have a manual pump to override, but I think because of the fitment of the unit under the chassis between the rear wheels they have not fitted one, it seems from speaking to the dealer there is a recall to retro fit one, but no use now....
We have spoken to Goldschmitt in Spain who cannot look at until the end of November, but could not give any help to lift.....
Currently waiting for comfort breakdown to come out, but expect them to look at it, shrug their shoulders and drive off, unless we can raise it we can't drive anywhere or probably not even be recovered as could not get up a ramp.

Anyone got any ideas?

 

[funflair]

If you don't have fluid in a manual override wouldn't work either, if you can get at it it might be an idea to put more oil in and then see if they will retract, once they are all up it might be possible to ratchet strap them in the up position.

 

[AlunandFelicie]

No experience of them but if there’s no hydraulic fluid left shouldn’t it be fairly easy to lift them and perhaps zip tie so at least you can move?

 

[Wh05apk]

No experience of them but if there’s no hydraulic fluid left shouldn’t it be fairly easy to lift them and perhaps zip tie so at least you can move?

Goldschmitt advertise that they "lock" into position making them safe to work under so suspect no amount of force will lift them.

 

[Wh05apk]

If you don't have fluid in a manual override wouldn't work either, if you can get at it it might be an idea to put more oil in and then see if they will retract, once they are all up it might be possible to ratchet strap them in the up position.

unfortunately, the tank seems to be completely inaccessible, certainly for me!

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[Jofang]

We had a similar problem with our 2016 Hymer a couple of years ago. Dealer installed a new hydraulic system for us when we bought the van jn 2022. We used the system twice and on the third time it would not raise the offside rear cylinder. Upon inspection I found oil around the foot pad of the cylinder, which had apparently been leaking from new. Thankfully, the other 3 cylinders had raised, as each leg on my system has its own hydraulic pump and motor rather than a central pump for all cylinders. It was a warranty repair but we had to take the van to the dealer. Thank goodness this failure happened in my driveway and I'd got tools to hand. I tried to raise the leg by various means, but no success. The only option was to remove the wheel for access and then remove the leg. I don't know if you are mechanically minded, but provided the other 3 legs have raised I think this is your only option to get mobile again. I'll watch the forum to see if I can help further.

 

[Wh05apk]

We had a similar problem with our 2016 Hymer a couple of years ago. Dealer installed a new hydraulic system for us when we bought the van jn 2022. We used the system twice and on the third time it would not raise the offside rear cylinder. Upon inspection I found oil around the foot pad of the cylinder, which had apparently been leaking from new. Thankfully, the other 3 cylinders had raised, as each leg on my system has its own hydraulic pump and motor rather than a central pump for all cylinders. It was a warranty repair but we had to take the van to the dealer. Thank goodness this failure happened in my driveway and I'd got tools to hand. I tried to raise the leg by various means, but no success. The only option was to remove the wheel for access and then remove the leg. I don't know if you are mechanically minded, but provided the other 3 legs have raised I think this is your only option to get mobile again. I'll watch the forum to see if I can help further.

Unfortunately no jack's or tools except basics for "normal" ongoing repairs.

 

[Jofang]

You don't say if the other 3 legs are retracted or still extended.

 

[Wh05apk]

You don't say if the other 3 legs are retracted or still extended.

All retracted, just the right rear is dropped.

 

[The Coops]

Time to visit the Spanish Halford's, buy or borrow some basic tools and remove the leg if the others have lifted it/they will be bolted on to the chassis so need detaching you should be able to leave the hydraulic lines in place as they will need unbolting from the jacks

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[Jofang]

My suggestion would be a taxi to a hardware store, buy an adjustable spanner, 17mm, 19mm and 21mm spanners and a jack if you don't have one, as many vans don't have one these days. This will enable you to remove the offending cylinder, much the same as I did with mine. This will be the cheapest way to get you mobile again.

 

[berni109]

Can you not undo the fluid unions and push it back up?
Since they will all be a different levels when down can't see how they can lock

 

[Wh05apk]

Don't really want to start uninstalling parts myself on a 6 month old van, have breakdown/recovery due here soon, see what they can do.....

 

[Jofang]

Reading your comments from Goldsmiths, your cylinders will be fitted with pilot operated check valves, so the cylinders will be powered up and powered down. If the other 3 are up the p.o. check valve on each cylinder will hold them in place.

 

[Terry]

Get breakdown Co to take the offending ramp off/ fasten it up. That way you can at least move
Edit is BD Co through a recovery company?

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[gus-lopez]

Disconnect both hydraulic pipes to the dodgy leg . It should then be able to be forced back up. If it isn't take the unit off the chassis.

 

[Wh05apk]

Breakdown company just come out, they were told it was a flat battery!
They managed to undo the pipe and force ram up, at least we can drive, but it seems we now have to book in with travel world as they are the only Goldschmitt dealers in the UK....

 

[Terry]

At least you’re on the move
Sounds like the seal has gone on the ram
Did you strap it in the up position?

 

[funflair]

Breakdown company just come out, they were told it was a flat battery!
They managed to undo the pipe and force ram up, at least we can drive, but it seems we now have to book in with travel world as they are the only Goldschmitt dealers in the UK....

Or find a service centre in Germany possibly if it’s not tied up just keep an eye on that ram.

 

[Wh05apk]

At least you’re on the move
Sounds like the seal has gone on the ram
Did you strap it in the up position?

Not strapped up, assume they all lock into position and need pressure to drop, will keep an eye on them.

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[Wh05apk]

Or find a service centre in Germany possibly if it’s not tied up just keep an eye on that ram.

We have discussed that, and I would happily divert our trip home through Germany if we can arrange.

 

[Jofang]

If you have pushed the ram up by removing the hoses then there is no p.o.check/safety valve in the circuit. I'm astounded that Goldsmiths advocate you can work underneath the van supported by these cyljnders.

 

[Wh05apk]

If you have pushed the ram up by removing the hoses then there is no p.o.check/safety valve in the circuit. I'm astounded that Goldsmiths advocate you can work underneath the van supported by these cyljnders.

No idea , but it is not something I would fancy myself.

 

[Carpmart]

Personally I would play double safe, especially with the RAM you’ve disconnected and securely fasten it in the retracted position. It will definitely ruin your day if that ends up in contact with the road!

 

[Kim H]

Sorry to hear of your problems.

We have used Goldschmitt Technical based at Waldurn for servicing, they have been very good. Goldschmitt also have technical centres at Polch and Leutkirch.

Welcome to Goldschmitt - Goldschmitt techmobil GmbH

Goldschmitt techmobil GmbH is a manufacturer of suspensions systems, levelling systems and overheads for motorhomes, vans, ambulances, industrial and special-purpose vehicles.

www.goldschmitt.de

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[Wh05apk]

Amazingly as our breakdown truck drive off, next door tried to start and had a flat battery, so another breakdown truck has just come out, maybe they need to play a tune like an ice cream van for anymore business!

 

[Brize]

We have spoken to Goldschmitt in Spain who cannot look at until the end of November, but could not give any help to lift.....

That is simply appalling from Goldschmitt Spain.

If you had these fitted at Travelworld you need to ask them to make sure Goldschmitt Spain get a rocketing. This is not good reading for anyone thinking of having any Goldschmitt product fitted - and there is a current thread recommending Goldschmitt air suspension!

This is enough to put anyone off.

 

[Wh05apk]

They were factory fitted, and the van purchased through another dealer, travel world would have been about £30k more....

 

[Lenny HB]

Vanquip in Belgium fitted Goldschmitt air to our last van helpful small family company.

VanQuip

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Another option, RV Installations in Ilfracombe Devon

 

[funflair]

If you have pushed the ram up by removing the hoses then there is no p.o.check/safety valve in the circuit. I'm astounded that Goldsmiths advocate you can work underneath the van supported by these cyljnders.

It would appear that there are two different systems, Pro series and HLC, the Pro series is the one with hose rupture protection whereas the HLC boasts a waterproof pump unit that can be mounted under the vehicle so I thing the OP has then HLC version.

HLC Smart – das neue Hubstützensystem von Goldschmitt

Bei der HLC Smart von Goldschmitt handelt es sich um ein hydraulisches Hubstützensystem, das Reisemobile auf Knopfdruck nivelliert und stabil abstützt.

www.goldschmitt.de

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