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PROCEDURE FOR REPLACING HYDRAULIC CYLINDER SEALS 

Hydraulic Cylinder Rebuild Tennessee Hydraulic cylinders are the workhorses of your automotive lifts, utilizing fluid pressure to generate force and movement. With continuous use, the components of your lift can experience wear and tear, potentially affecting its performance.

One common weak point in hydraulic cylinders is their internal seals, which can deteriorate over time and accumulate debris. This guide outlines the necessary steps for seal replacement to address leakage issues.

PREPARATION BEFORE WORKING ON YOUR HYDRAULIC CYLINDER

Before embarking on the replacement process, it’s crucial to grasp the potential causes of hydraulic cylinder seal failure and ensure you possess the appropriate tools and experience. For many, seeking the expertise of a trusted professional can alleviate concerns related to safety and complexity.

A Hydraulic Cylinder Rebuild Tennessee hydraulic cylinder typically contains at least one seal, positioned either at the end of the cylinder body or at the end of the rod. Confirm that you have the correct seal kit for your hydraulic cylinder, as different cylinders may require different kits. You can verify this by referencing the old parts or consulting an owner’s manual.

Once you’ve gathered the necessary items, you’re ready to proceed.

PREPARATION STEPS

• Identify a clean and suitable workspace for hydraulic cylinder maintenance, ensuring ample space to store cleaned parts free from debris.
• Ensure you have the required tools, including protective gear, screwdriver, pliers, wrenches, emery cloths, a mallet or hammer, and a seal kit.
• Thoroughly clean the surfaces of the cylinders that will be sealed to remove any dirt and fluid residue. Examine for imperfections that could lead to leaks and rectify any rough areas.

REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE

• Begin by loosening the hoses at their connection point with the cylinder body to release the pressure. Focus on one cylinder at a time.
• Carefully detach the Hydraulic Cylinder Rebuild Tennessee cylinder from the lines, ensuring that its weight is adequately supported to prevent damage or injury.
• Remove the piston rod and then the lock nut to unscrew the piston and extract it from the cylinder.
• Pay meticulous attention to maintaining the rod and cylinder in a pristine condition, placing them on a clean surface to avoid contact between parts. This precautionary step helps prevent costly damage to cylinder components.
• Keep parts organized for a streamlined reassembly process. Consider taking a reference photo to aid in reassembling the seals in the correct sequence.
• To minimize confusion, replace seals one at a time. Identify the type of seal being used and select the corresponding replacement part. Install the new seals in the exact positions as the old ones, ensuring that the seal groove is free from dirt before fitting the new part.
• Reverse the cylinder removal process by initiating the reinstallation of the piston and securing it back into the cylinder body. Reconnect the cylinder to the hydraulic lines, addressing any residual dirt or fluid generated during reassembly.

TESTING

After completing the replacement, operate the machinery as usual. Verify the secure connections throughout, ensuring that no fluid is escaping from the cylinder. If everything appears to be in order, your replacement is successful.

BEYOND HYDRAULIC CYLINDER MAINTENANCE

While replacing a damaged seal is a prudent step in preventive maintenance for your Hydraulic Cylinder Rebuild Tennessee hydraulic cylinder, it may sometimes serve as a temporary solution. Therefore, it’s essential to diagnose any underlying issues to prevent recurring problems. Leaking hydraulic cylinders often result from worn or damaged seals, but occasionally, addressing the root cause rather than the seal may offer a more effective, long-term solution. In some cases, complete part replacement may be necessary to save both time and money.

Hydraulic Seal Installation Guidelines:

The process of hydraulic seal installation can vary depending on the specific application. Whether you’re replacing a seal as part of routine maintenance or installing a fresh seal for a new application, there are common factors that require careful attention. This blog aims to provide valuable tips to ensure a successful installation.

Here are four key considerations for Hydraulic Cylinder Rebuild Tennessee hydraulic seal installation:

• Cleanliness:
  • Before installation, thoroughly clean the seals using lint-free cloths.
  • Ensure all installation tools are clean as well.
  • Prevent the entrapment of dust and solid particles, as these can negatively impact sealing performance and lead to failure.
• Protection:
  • Shield seals from sharp corners and burrs, as contact with these surfaces can cause damage.
• Lubrication:
  • Lubricate both the seal and its sealing path prior to installation.
  • Various lubricants are available to prevent abrasion and enhance durability.
  • Examples of suitable lubricants include petroleum-based lubricants, silicone grease or oil, barium grease, and fluorocarbon fluid.
  • Ensure the selected lubricant is compatible with the seal’s materials.
• Heating:
  • Improving the elasticity of hydraulic seals can be achieved by gently heating them before installation.
  • Soaking the seal in a heated lubricant can soften the seal compound and enhance its elasticity, facilitating efficient and successful installation.
  • Exercise caution not to exceed the seal’s temperature limit during heating, as this could damage the seal.
  • Avoid heating a stretched seal, as it may lead to seal shrinkage.

To streamline seal installation and minimize the risk of seal damage, it is essential to use appropriate tools. Always refer to the user manual provided with your hydraulic seals for comprehensive guidance. Familiarize yourself with the installation procedures outlined in the manual and strictly adhere to each step for a successful installation.

If you encounter any uncertainties during the installation process, do not hesitate to seek assistance from an experienced individual or contact the manufacturer. Never attempt hydraulic seal installation without a clear understanding of the procedures involved. Your thoroughness and adherence to proper installation techniques will contribute to the longevity and effectiveness of the seals.

How to Perform a Cylinder Test

Step 1: Ensure both sides of the cylinder are filled with hydraulic fluid.

Step 2: Move the cylinder through its complete stroke multiple times to expel any trapped air, if necessary.

Step 3: Fully pressurize the cylinder when it’s extended and inspect for any signs of leakage.

Step 4: Retract the cylinder and maintain its position while checking for any leakage.

Step 5: Perform an internal bypass test by initiating the retraction of the Hydraulic Cylinder Rebuild Tennessee cylinder and holding it. Remove the base port line, cap it, and monitor for any leakage. The extent of acceptable leakage may vary depending on the type of seal, but generally, you should observe the cylinder rod extending if there is fluid bypassing the piston seals.