Hydraulic Repair Iowa - Social Proof
410 Freel Dr Ste 102, Ames, IA 50010 515-292-2599

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7 Day Rebuild Time Guaranteed or It’s Free

If we cannot rebuild your hydraulic cylinder or pump within 7 days its free.
This does not include if you need parts machined.

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Repairing hydraulic cylinders with leaks is not a complex task, provided that they are not of the following types: (a) mammoth field cultivator or disk’s 6-inch diameter by 36-inch long wing-fold cylinders, or (b) Wire-Lok-type cylinders with tricky internal lock rings attaching the end cap to the cylinder bores.

Fixing a leaking Hydraulic Cylinder Rebuild South Carolina hydraulic cylinder is straightforward when dealing with a simple 3-inch by 12-inch cylinder that has end caps held in place by four long “tie-bolts.” With basic tools and patience, you can follow these steps:

  • Begin by identifying the make and model of the cylinder and obtain the appropriate seal kit. Model numbers are often stamped on cylinders, but you can also seek assistance from your equipment dealer to determine the required parts.
  • Thoroughly clean the exterior of the cylinder using a power washer or parts washer. Make sure to clean all surfaces, including the top, bottom, sides, and ends. Maintain a clean workbench by covering it with an old feed sack or layers of paper towels. Cleanliness is crucial when working on hydraulic components.
  • Secure the cylinder in a bench vise. Use a cold chisel or center punch to mark the end cap and cylinder bore, ensuring proper alignment during reassembly. Remove the four nuts on the tie-bolts holding the end cap through which the cylinder rod extends. Place a drain pan underneath the Hydraulic Cylinder Rebuild South Carolina cylinder, then tap the end cap out of the cylinder bore using a hammer. Once the end cap is free, carefully pull or tap the clevis on the end of the cylinder shaft to remove the shaft/piston from the cylinder bore.
  • Place the shaft/piston assembly on the clean workbench and take note of the arrangement of seals, o-rings, backing rings, and other sealing components on both the end cap and the piston. If needed, create a sketch on scrap paper to illustrate the placement of each o-ring and back-up ring. Lay out all the o-rings, back-up rings, etc., from the seal repair kit.
  • Use an impact wrench or hand tools to remove the lock nut securing the piston to the shaft. Be aware of the o-ring inside the piston. Slide the shaft through the end cap, being attentive to the seals/o-rings inside the end cap’s hole. Pay close attention to the sequence and orientation of these o-rings and seals.
  • Carefully use a small screwdriver or o-ring pick to systematically remove old o-rings and back-up rings, replacing them with new ones from the kit. It’s helpful to arrange the old parts in the same order they were removed, allowing for reference in terms of positioning and orientation. Note that some “flat” back-up rings have a subtly curved surface designed to fit against the o-ring, while others have chamfered (beveled) edges that must be oriented correctly.
  • Removing seals from end caps (those through which the Hydraulic Cylinder Rebuild South Carolina cylinder rod slides in and out) can be challenging. Take care not to damage the often soft metal of the end cap. A small cold chisel or sharp metal punch can assist in prying out stubborn metal-framed seals. Before removing (and potentially destroying) old seals, ensure you note their “front” and “back” (inside or outside) so that you can correctly install the new ones.
  • With all the new seals in place, apply a light coat of grease or hydraulic oil to every component and carefully reassemble them. As you push the piston into the bore and tap the end cap back into position, use a small screwdriver to gently compress the o-rings and seals into their grooves. Placing the Hydraulic Cylinder Rebuild South Carolina cylinder on end can help slide these components into place with the weight of the piston and end cap working in your favor.
  • Once the piston and end cap are properly installed, tighten the nuts on the tie-bolts to around 200 ft. lbs. Repairing leaky hydraulic cylinders can be a messy job involving oil, and fixing larger cylinders may require the assistance of another person due to the size and weight of the components. However, it’s not overly complicated, and most farmers can handle the repairs themselves with patience, basic tools, and a willingness to get a bit oily in the process.
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Hydraulic cylinders play a significant role within the broader hydraulic system, serving as mechanical actuators that deliver unidirectional force. The incorporation of hydraulic cylinders can eliminate the need for levers and gears. Both mobile applications (such as front-end loaders, hydraulic lifts, construction vehicles, tractors, and auto cranes) and industrial systems (including hydraulic presses, agricultural machinery, marine equipment, forges, and packaging machines) rely on hydraulic systems. Among these applications, hydraulic cylinders find extensive use in tasks like lifting, sliding, picking, and gripping.

Before embarking on any repairs, it’s crucial to thoroughly clean the cylinder’s surface and disconnect any attached hoses and plugs. Maintain a clean and organized workspace for optimal results. After disconnecting these components, ensure that all fluid within the cylinders and hoses is drained. To carry out hydraulic cylinder repairs, you’ll need a specific set of tools, including a proper Hydraulic Cylinder Rebuild South Carolina hydraulic cylinder seal kit, a rubber mallet, screwdrivers, punches, pliers, emery cloth, and a torque wrench. The most common issue prompting hydraulic cylinder repair is leakage. The cylinder repair process typically involves disassembly, diagnosing the root cause of failure, repairing or replacing faulty components, and ultimately rebuilding the cylinder. Throughout the hydraulic cylinder repair procedure, it’s essential to keep the following tips in mind:

  • When disassembling the hydraulic cylinder as part of the repair process, conduct a comprehensive inspection of not only the failed component but also all other components within the hydraulic cylinder.
  • Hydraulic wear bands (also referred to as wear rings or guide rings) serve the purpose of guiding pistons. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that wear bands are correctly assembled, as this prevents metal-to-metal contact.
  • Premature failure of rod seals may indicate damage such as bending or scratching on the hydraulic rod.
  • Avoid using metal tools that could scratch the surface of the cylinder rod or cylinder barrel, potentially leading to corrosion issues. Always select the appropriate tools for your repair tasks.
  • Be cautious when handling larger hydraulic cylinders, as they may incorporate high-tension springs. Inexperienced hydraulic technicians should exercise care when working with such cylinders.
  • When replacing Hydraulic Cylinder Rebuild South Carolina hydraulic cylinder seals, avoid measuring the existing seal size, as seals can expand or compress based on environmental conditions. Instead, contact your hydraulic equipment manufacturer to obtain the correct seal kit designed for your specific cylinder.
  • As part of scheduled hydraulic cylinder maintenance, perform routine checks on components such as the chrome-plated rod, cylinder seals, hydraulic cylinder tubing, cylinder gland, and piston. If any damage is detected on the hydraulic rod during inspection, take action promptly, as a rough rod surface can increase friction. Polishing the rod will help reduce friction and extend the life of your system. These maintenance practices significantly reduce the risk of failures.