Hydraulic roof rams

[yanathem]

Hi
Initially the roof did not raise completely and I followed guidance and found pump reservoir to be very low. I refilled it and the roof worked again but I noticed small drop over time on nearside. When cleaning roof channels and seals I noticed oil ( and could smell it) to the rear of the nearside ram so having read various posts on the forums I believe leaking ram is the issue

Those rams are really easy to swap. You have done the hardest part of the job taking the pump out to top it up. Use an adjustable prop inside the van to hold the roof up. Change one at a time.

 

[Bobo]

I have thought about doing it myself but spoke to Richard at Kernow and am thinking about getting everything done ie rams, sensors, pump and bellows. Won't be cheap but will probably give us another 5-10 years of hassle free use and allow us to sell it on knowing next owners will get a decent vehicle, but thank you for the reply

 

[Bobo]

Not sure if this is in the right place but just wanted to let everyone know I have booked the van in with Richard at Kernow for the end of July to get new rams and bellows. I will post again when job done. Thanks to everyone for help and support

 

[Bobo]

Update as promised.
Just got home from Cornwall having had the van repaired by Richard Milton at Kernow Transporters.
First the good news; Richard carried out the repairs as arranged and we had the van back the same day. The work done included new bellows, pump, rams and sensors. We have spent two weeks camping and everything is working perfectly and the new bellows are a large improvement on the old ( more openings hence more light in the van). Richard is very knowledgeable and I would highly recommend him to anyone considering having work done on Cali's. If you have tried to find anyone who knows about these vans you will know within seconds he fully understands them which instills confidence.
Now the bad news; Firstly Richard's Labour charges are more than reasonable for bespoke work but if you are considering getting this work done be prepared. Parts are inordinately expensive ( do your own search and you will know what I mean). So you have to work out what the van is worth a) to you and b) for re-sale.
For us it is worth it and we now have confidence we have an excellent useable Cali. We also feel that if we come to sell it in the near future the new owners will be getting a properly sorted van.
Hope this is useful, highly recommend Richard and thank you to him for the job and everyone's contributions here.