How To Replace Fluid In A Cable Reel Trailer
- Roman Slabach
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Proper maintenance of your Wheeler Reeler hydraulic hand pump ensures smooth and reliable reel trailer operation. This guide walks you through the safe removal, draining, and refilling process for your hydraulic hand pump using automatic transmission fluid. Follow these steps carefully to prevent contamination, air intrusion, and overfilling. Always wear proper PPE, release hydraulic pressure before disassembly, and avoid draining fluid from cylinders to maintain optimal performance and extend the service life of your trailer’s hydraulic system.
To purchase a manual hydraulic hand pump go to Slabach Parts Store
BEFORE REMOVING FLUID
FOLLOW PROPER PPE &
SAFETY PROCEDURES WHEN USING
POWER EQUIPMENT
DO NOT FILL WITH CYLINDERS
EXTENDED
Before Removing Existing Pump
Release Pressure from Hydraulic System by turning the release valve counter-clockwise.
With slides lowered, disconnect the end of the hydraulic hose that is attached to the hand pump. Use caution when disconnecting hydraulic hose as fluid loss can occur. DO NOT remove the entire hose. (Figure 1)
With hose end disconnected, place a cap on end of hydraulic hose to prevent fluid loss and reduce the risk of air entering the hydraulic system (Figure 2)
Remove bolts that secure pump to the trailer
DO NOT ALLOW FLUID TO DRAIN FROM CYLINDERS
1) Removing Pump
Remove the bolts and nuts securing the pump to the trailer.
2) Remove Dip Stick & Vent Plug
Remove the vent plug with a 7/8” wrench.
Remove the dip stick with a 3/4” wrench.
3) Drain Fluid
Tilt pump until fluid starts to drain from the vent plug hole. Continue to drain until the pump is completely empty.
Reinstall pump to trailer with nuts and bolts.
4) Remove Piston Rod
With yoke attached, pull piston assembly out of the
piston cavity. Set it aside on a clean surface.
NOTICE: DO NOT SCRATCH / DAMAGE PISTON
5) Priming The Pump
With the piston assembly removed, fill the piston cavity with automatic transmission fluid transmission fluid as outlined in the service manual. Fill fluid to 1” from top.
Reinstall piston & yoke. Reattach linkage pin to yoke with nut & bolt.
6) Filling Pump Reservoir
Remove the vent plug. Fill the reservoir with
fluid using the filler port. Once fluid is seen entering the vent cavity, pump is full.
7) Reinstall & Tighten the Dip Stick & Vent Plug
NOTICE: If fluid shoots out the breather/vent plug, the pump is overfilled. After several uses this goes away.
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