Hydraulic Cylinder Repair

Hydraulic cylinders are usually used extensively especially in combine harvesters and cultivation apparatus. Mechanical power steering system in tractors also relies on hydraulic cylinders for its drive. Hydraulic cylinder repair becomes necessary due to the hydraulic fluid leakages experienced during its gradual use, in the end hydraulic oil replacement costs becomes very high and repair remains the next best alternative.

Preparation for Hydraulic Cylinder Repair

It is important to have in place the right kit for taking the pieces apart, this is important since hydraulic cylinders are at a varied range. Each piece usually has number imprints; these numbers ideally help when ordering and help when you need to confirm that you have the correct replacement parts. It is important to confirm with your local dealer on the type of repair kit required. A print out of the parts diagram is usually important especially when you want to assemble the pieces back together. There are various support devices like braces, jacks or blocks and this is a very important consideration to make, supporting the hydraulic equipment is an important precautionary measure to take when carrying out repairs to avoid bodily harm for you and preventing damage to the equipment.

Disassembly Procedures for Hydraulic Cylinder Repair

It is imperative to confirm that you have the correct kit for removing the cylinders gland and seal. For ease of unscrewing use wrenches to pull the cylinders in position. The hydraulic cylinder glands require special removal tool to enable you unscrew them from the cylinder. It is important to use wedge like steel support tools on both sides of the cylinder close to the holes. Welding the cylinder on the steel support gives a better grip.

It is also important to make sure that there is no pressure left in the hydraulic system, this can be done by making sure the hydraulic lines are loose enough so that all the pressure can be released. Unscrew the gland from both ends so that you can pull it from one side of the piston rod. As mentioned earlier hydraulic cylinder repair requires some special kit, use the gland removal kit to unscrew the gland from the hydraulic cylinder. Small taps on the gland might help loosen the grip when unscrewing, remember if the gland is for large hydraulic cylinders you may have to use a winch to support it when pulling due to the weights involved.

Some extra care should be used when pulling the piston rod to prevent it from falling or coming into contact with dust, metal and other foreign materials. The rod has some threads that might damage and it becomes very costly to replace. The last bit of hydraulic cylinder repair requires you to unscrew the retaining bolt and this has to be done when the rod end has been placed back into its pin connection. Heating can be necessary if the rod had been rebuilt before, however, heating should be a last result. Assemble all parts together so that you can use them to compare with the replacement parts, it also becomes easier for you during the rebuild procedure.