When it comes to hydraulic cylinder resealing, doing it right the first time is crucial. You’ve taken the initial steps: disassembled the hydraulic cylinder and gathered a set of brand-new seals. Now it’s time to reassemble and get the hydraulic cylinder back to work. But without the right approach, all your efforts could go to waste if leaks or performance issues resurface.
To help you avoid setbacks and ensure long-lasting results, here are five essential must-knows for hydraulic cylinder resealing. By following these steps, you’ll improve reliability and restore the cylinder’s performance.
And don’t worry—this guide assumes the seals you’ve sourced are compatible with your machine and its hydraulic fluid.
#1 Inspect Thoroughly
Before you even think about installing the new seals, inspect the hydraulic cylinder itself. Check the barrel bore and the chrome rod for wear, scoring, or damage. Any compromised components should be repaired or replaced before you proceed.
Why it matters: New seals won’t fix underlying damage. Overlooking this step risks recurring leaks and further downtime.
#2 Confirm Seal Quality
Not all seals are supplied equal. Inspect each item in your new seal kit closely. Even if they look fine at first glance, examine them for defects or signs of poor manufacturing.
Pro tip: If you’re not 100% satisfied with the quality of the seals, don’t hesitate to replace them. High-quality seals are essential for long-term reliability.
#3 Master the Technique
Installing seals requires precision and care. Avoid forcing seals into place—this can kink or damage them, compromising their effectiveness. For internal grooves, consider using dedicated seal installation tools to make the process smoother.
For external seals: Expand the seal just enough to fit over the component. Over-stretching can weaken the material, reducing its lifespan and effectiveness.
#4 Mind the O-Rings
When installing O-rings, always check that they aren’t twisted. A twisted O-ring can’t provide proper sealing and will wear out quickly.
Pro tip: Use tools with rounded or smooth edges to prevent damage during installation. Sharp tools can nick the O-ring, causing premature failure.
#5 Choose the Right Lubricant
Not all lubricants are compatible with hydraulic seals. Avoid using greases with solid additives, such as molybdenum disulphide, which may damage your seals. Instead, opt for the hydraulic oil your machine already uses.
How to apply:
– Use a light coat of hydraulic oil to lubricate seals that need to stretch into grooves, like piston seals.
– Apply a thin film of oil to the barrel bore before reassembly for smoother operation.
Expert Help for Hydraulic Cylinder Resealing
While these steps can set you up for success, resealing a hydraulic cylinder is a meticulous and time-consuming process. In industries like mining and earthmoving, downtime is costly, and handling repairs in-house may not always be the best use of your resources.
That’s where we come in. By entrusting your hydraulic cylinder resealing to our expert team, you gain:
– Time savings: Get your equipment back to work faster.
– Professional assurance: Enjoy peace of mind with our workmanship warranty.
– Specialist expertise: We handle resealing, repairs, and remanufacturing with precision, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
We specialise in servicing hydraulic cylinders for mining, earthmoving, and heavy equipment industries, helping you minimise downtime and maximise productivity.
Contact us on 07 3800 8721 and a friendly team member will help you get the best solution for you.
Don’t let equipment issues slow you down—let us take care of your hydraulic cylinders so you can focus on what you do best.
Written by The A1HE Team
Date: 05.07.2024
