Hydraulic cylinders play an integral part in domestic applications like automotive parts, elevators or heavy bulldozers. They produce the actual work in a hydraulic system.
In this modern world, with all the latest technologies in machinery, the use of Hydraulic cylinders plays a major role in a wide range of applications. This system is a simple arrangement of piston and cylinders which is capable of lifting heavy objects. Most of the car parts or heavy machinery functions on the principle of hydraulics. There are a few other mechanisms like bulldozers, elevators, excavators and forklifts.
These systems are available in varying sizes, for instance when installed in automobiles, they are available in small sizes, whereas, in heavier applications like dumpster trucks or heavy bulldozers they are available in larger sizes for smoother maneuvering and easy lifting. Nevertheless, all hydraulic cylinders share the common components, repair and maintenance procedures.
Before we move ahead with the hydraulic cylinder repair procedures, let us find out the general causes that lead to cylinder malfunctioning.
Causes of Failure of Hydraulic Cylinder System
A bent piston rod can encumber the hydraulic system.
Due to consistent long use, there can be a crack in the system.
Also, due to persistent wear and tear, the seal of the hydraulic cylinder might crack or break.
There are chances of the piston rings to get damaged.
Whenever you indulge in some hydraulic cylinder repair work, keep your repair tool kit ready for use. Normally, a tool kit consists of lubrication, new shaft seals with O-shaped rings and a new cylinder rod.
How to Repair a Hydraulic Cylinder
Step 1
Dis-assembly: Take off the cylinder from the machine. Open the cover of the cylinder using the bolts or screws and remove the piston out of the cylinder. Now loosen the input valves to reduce the pressure and slide the piston shaft in outward direction to detach it completely.
Step 2
Inspection: This is a crucial stage of hydraulic cylinder rebuild, wherein, you have to perform a visual inspection to find out the main problem. If the cylinder bore is scratched or the piston shafts are bent, the system requires a qualified hydraulic repair shop. In case, if the shafts or bolts are intact, most likely the seals are ruptured leading to excess hydraulic fluid leak.
Step 3
Repack the Seals: Using the seal kit and the repacking instructions for your cylinder carefully dislodge the old seals from its positions and fix the news ones in place of the old ones.
In this final stage of hydraulic cylinder repair, lubricate the seals with the oil and gently slide the piston back into the cylinder system. Also, make sure the input valves are loosened for the piston to slide in smoothly. Lastly, before reattaching the cylinder to your equipment, ensure you check for any leakage and the condition of the hydraulic hoses.
