There are several possible reasons for a GoJak Wheel Dolly to encounter issues cycling up or down, this article will break down each possible cause and walk you through how to troubleshoot and resolve each issue.
Troubleshooting Guide: GoJak Not Cycling Properly
If your GoJak is not cycling properly or is difficult to operate, there are three primary causes to investigate. Each issue presents unique symptoms that can help diagnose the problem. Follow this guide to identify and resolve the issue effectively.
1. Extreme Difficulty in Cycling but Some Movement in the Inner Ratchet Mechanism
If the cycling motion is very difficult but there is still some movement, check the following potential causes:
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Casters Obstructed or Not Lubricated
- Ensure the casters are clean, lubricated, and able to swivel freely.
- Obstructions or a bent main welded frame can cause the wheels to contact the frame under load, making cycling nearly impossible.
- Solution: With the unit not on a tire or under load, check that the casters swivel freely and the wheels spin easily.
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Tire Width Exceeds Roller Length
- The tire tread width must not exceed the length of the steel rollers (Part 2003-XX) mounted on the axle frame.
- Tires should rotate freely on the steel rollers.
- Rollers may also be jammed due to dirt, debris, or lack of maintenance.
- Solution: Ensure the rollers can turn freely and remove any obstructions. On models G5211 and G6313, ensure the tire tread width does not exceed the states spec of the rollers to eliminate any chance of the tire contacting the bare axle bar.
2. Unit Does Not Cycle at All
If the GoJak is completely unresponsive, the most common cause is a missing or failing spring that assists in the bi-directional ratchet/pedal assembly function.
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Spring Tension Loss
- Over time, springs may lose tension, preventing proper function.
- Check if the upper flat spring (Part 2021) properly disengages the locking pawl (Part 2012) when the directional lever (Part 2024) is flipped to the down position.
- Solution: If the upper flat spring does not disengage the pawl, replace Part 2021. This is a straightforward repair requiring only a socket set.
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Missing or Damaged End Stop Components
- The end stop (Part 2028) and end stop clip and spring (Part 2027) could be missing or damaged.
- Solution: Verify that these components are in place as shown in the exploded diagram and that the spring is still attached to the pedal bolt that holds the upper flat spring in place (Part 2023) from the interior of the foot pedal.
3. Worn or Damaged Pawl or Ratchet
If the cycling mechanism does not engage properly, worn or damaged parts could be the culprit.
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Damaged Pawls
- The working pawl (Part 2014) or locking pawl (Part 2012) may be chipped, sheared, or severely damaged, preventing them from gripping the ratchet teeth.
- Solution: Inspect Parts 2012 and 2014 for visible damage or wear. If found, replace the faulty components.
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Worn Ratchet Teeth
- After many cycles without any lubrication, it is possible the ratchet teeth may wear down, causing cycling misfires. This is uncommon but has happened.
- Solution: If you suspect the ratchet is extremely worn contact us so we can walk you through how this can be verified.
Final Notes
Regular maintenance, including cleaning, lubrication, and periodic inspection of key components, will help keep your GoJak operating smoothly. If issues persist despite following this guide, please reach out to us for further support or replacement parts.
By following these steps, you can quickly diagnose and resolve common GoJak cycling issues, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of your equipment.