Winch free spool is not so free. Winch clutch adjustable ?

[Hodge]

I pulled the rope out to dry it out a little bit, which I do every couple of months, every time I service the car.
This morning when pulling it out, in free spool, I just about had to brace my leg against the bull bar to yank the rope out. It's very hard going. I remember last time it was similar but not as bad...
Also in free spool, running the motor in and out, also drags the rope in and out... But I can grab the rope and hold it, which stop the drum from spinning while motor is still going. So clutch is not disengaging all the way...=
Are clutches in these adjustable ?? Does anybody know.
When clutch engaged, the winch pulls in and out no dramas.
The winch has actually NEVER been used or load put on it. Since owning it (about 2 years) the ropes just been in and out a few times to dry it out etc....
Before I pull it out and rip it apart. Thought I'd ask.

My winch is the Runva XP11 Premium.

It has a different clutch selector to other Runva winches and other brands winches I've had experience with. It's kind of spring loaded in and out instead of the physical engaging lever.
This from their website:
"This model features the newly designed gearbox with integrated ratchet braking system. "

I wonder if that has something to do with it.

http://www.runvawinch.com.au/11xp-12v-premium-with-dyneema-rope

https://www.4x4australia.com.au/gear/1603/runva-11xp-premium-winch-product-test

[BigRAWesty]

It is winter so the grease in the box will be thicker.
But if your worried about it id say remove and pull it down and maybe new grease..
Ive pulled my 11xp down twice now in 4 ish years.
Lubricated seals and gears.

[GQtdauto]

The lever for free spool is in an awkward spot on mine and if not properly engaged it will do what your describing , having a wire rope birds nest on the drum doesn't help either .

[stevemc181]

I'll second the motion that it needs a service, the Runva's are pretty easy to disassemble. When you service it, don't go overboard with the grease, too much can make the free spool harder, make sure to use a good quality marine grease.

Edit: I just read the bit where you mention the premium edition has a different style clutch, I'm not sure how it works, but Runva should have a manual for it with an exploded view diagram for disassembly?

[Hodge]

Thanks fellas. I think westy is on the money. I'll have to strip it down and have a look / re-grease. I still have warranty on it, but when I mentioned the problem to them the first question asked was did I unwind and wind the rope back in every 4-6 weeks since purchase? Lol

@stevemc181 (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/member.php?41693-stevemc181)
I think the internal part of the clutch is the same... The switching is different as it's kind of spring loaded. Mine is just a flick of the switch, almost like a large electrical switch. But the other Runvas have the selector where you physically feel that you're engaging or disengaging something.

[MB]

Apologies butting in truly uninformed gents but I thought I read on here somewhere a while back that grease packing elecy winches was not so good? Do remember reading a thread somewhere discussing 'Warn' oil only not grease but 'Runva's' can't be sure if that was discussed or not :-( ?

[stevemc181]

Apologies butting in truly uninformed gents but I thought I read on here somewhere a while back that grease packing elecy winches was not so good? Do remember reading a thread somewhere discussing 'Warn' oil only not grease but 'Runva's' can't be sure if that was discussed or not :-( ?

Most winches I know of use grease in the clutch end, I've never had an issue repacking the ones I have serviced. There is a bit of a write up here on a Runva 11XP I did a few years back. https://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=41664
Your winch will love you for it, and regular maintenance means it will work when you need it to. I've yet to pull down the Warn XD9000 fitted to the Patrol, but I'll be sure to include it in routine maintenance.

If you pack too much grease in, it will be harder to free spool, so you need to be sensible and not fill the thing with grease.

[MB]

Cheers Steve :-) !

[Hodge]

Thanks for that Steve! Will keep that in mind.

[Throbbinhood]

I have a Runva 11xp, and had the same issue a few years back. Good cleanup of the old grease and some fresh stuff fixed it up.

Don't make the mistake of putting too much grease back in. I did this and had to strip it back down again, as it was just wayyyyyyyy to hard to move the freespool lever and freespool.

[Hodge]

I've got a trip this weekend after that I'll pull the winch off and rip it apart.
What do you guys clean the existing grease with ? Just wipe it off with paper towel or something ?

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[stevemc181]

I've got a trip this weekend after that I'll pull the winch off and rip it apart.
What do you guys clean the existing grease with ? Just wipe it off with paper towel or something ?

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I just use degreaser and then rinse it with water and dry it. I sometimes also use a bit of emery paper if there is build up on the housing faces etc. Use Marine grease for better water resistance when re-assembling.

[shantillylais]

Looks like I just found the problem with mine :) cheers for that .... Lana

[BigRAWesty]

I just use degreaser and then rinse it with water and dry it. I sometimes also use a bit of emery paper if there is build up on the housing faces etc. Use Marine grease for better water resistance when re-assembling.X2.
If your not keen on wasting 2 cans of degreaser get a steel bucket with lid and a liter of kero and dunk all parts in it and use a brush to wash.
Then lid the kero bath and on the shelf for future