[quote name='Polar Bear' date='16 June 2010 - 09:00 AM' timestamp='1276696839' post='18303']
Ok Here is something that everyone needs to know about servicing winches!
All Winches Should be Serviced 1 a Year if Used for Severe Use = Very Frequent Heavy Pulls or at least every 2-3 years for the occasional moderate use. Note: everyone should spool out there cable everynow and then and winch in just to make the winch work...lack of use can be just as bad as ABUSE!!
We'll start with Hydraulic Winches:
These winches require little to no service since all parts are bathed in oil and run on bearings, the biggest thing to keep and eye open for would be seal leaks which should be tended to ASAP!! I would highly recommend that anyone running a hydraulic winch should install a serviceable hydraulic oil filter inline with one of the hoses, always go as close to the pump as possible. Also YOU SHOULD REPLACE YOUR PS FLUID ONCE A YEAR and use Synthetic Oil This will help to prevent needless repairs!
Now for Electric Winches:
Here is where things get a bit more complicated, there are big differences between one electric and another so read carefully!!
Winches with Bushings
Anybody should be able to disassemble their winch as long as they have the right tools and pay attention to what came from where and the order they came out.Otherwise you will be <img src='
http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... ngHead.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':banghead:' /> <img src='
http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... ngHead.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':banghead:' /> <img src='
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You will need to disconnect the battery cables and remove the winch from the vehicle, you will also need to remove the cable; Note: If your cable is more than 3 years old and has seen some hard pulls and is showing some signs of wear or has kinks REPLACE IT NOW!!! Use either a OEM quality Steel Cable or Upgrade to Synthetic for lighter weight and increased safety! Now as you start to disassemble you will need a parts cleaning tube to remove all the old grease. Clean and Inspect all parts thoroughly to ensure no cracks or excessive wear. REPLACE ALL BUSHINGS IN THE WINCH THESE ARE A WEAR ITEM!!! Repack ALL Gears with Synthetic Marine Grease, this will eliminate water damage and allow the winch to pull easier and be more efficient.
Now verify your electrical, check for loose or corroded terminal and clean or replace as necessary. Since you have it open REPLACE THE SOLENOID!! Keep the old one as a Spare but Replace it While you have the Time...It would Really Suck and cause you to <img src='
http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... ngHead.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':banghead:' /> If the solenoid failed the first time out on the trail just after you rebuilt the whole winch.
Now that the winch is rebuilt reinstall it on the vehicle and test everything thoroughly! Spool on your new cable with at least a minimum 500lbs load in order to keep everything nice and neat, NOTE: You should lubricate your steel cable with AMSOIL MP Heavy Duty Spray to keep your cable in good working order for a long long Time!!!
Winches with Bearings
Exact same as everything above but since it has bearings, clean and inspect them, replace them only if necessary, if the are good repack them with the same Synthetic Marine grease as used for the gears and you are good to go!!
If everyone follows these guidelines Your Winches will always work when Needed and You won't be <img src='
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Hope This Helps!
Kev
[/quote]
GREAT POST <img src='
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http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... ght_on.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':right_on:' /> BRAVO <img src='
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