Locating And Dealing With Hydraulic Leaks
A hydraulic system will only work if it has the right pressure. Thus, every component of the system has to fit tightly together with high pressure seals. However, even the best built rig will not be immune to wear and tear. The constant pressure on the system combined with the dirt, grime, and abuse present in your working environment can create leaks. In order to keep your system running at its optimal level, you will need to inspect regularly for leaks and make repairs as needed.
The Negative Effects of a Leak
A leak in your system will siphon away hydraulic oil. A large leak will rob your system of the pressure it needs to work properly, leaving your equipment crippled and putting you behind schedule. A slow leak might allow you to get through a work day, but you will constantly have to refill your hydraulic reservoirs, which will add to your costs. For the best productivity and to eliminate needless costs, you will need to deal with leaks promptly.
How to Find Leaks
Finding a leak depends on two factors: (1) Knowing where to look, and (2) Knowing what to look for. As for where to look, hoses and seals are the most likely place to find leaks. Dirt and grime can undermine seals, and sun-baked hoses can get brittle and crack. As for what to look for, oil that leaks out of your system will attract dirt, which will get stuck in the oil, creating nasty stains. Thus, simply look for hoses or piston housings that have black, gritty oil stains on them.
How to Make Repairs
The pressure inside a piston is dangerous. If you remove a piston while it is under pressure, bad things can happen. For one, a piston can shoot out of its housing and cause harm the piston, other equipment, or nearby people. Even if your piston doesn't shoot out, any oil escaping from the piston can spray out with enough pressure to cut through your skin. Hydraulic oil is poisonous, so it's the last thing you want to get under your skin. To avoid problems, you should leave repairs up to the professionals.
Hydraulic systems are at the heart of the biggest earth-moving equipment on the planet. Unfortunately, one little leak is enough to sideline your equipment, leaving you with no way to make money and the need to find money to cover repair costs. Finding and quickly repairing leaks is the best way to maximize your productivity.
For more information, or if you feel you cannot repair the leak by yourself, contact a hydraulic repair shop, such as Certified Products Co.