Hydraulic Hoses Repair

Many vehicles and industrial  equipment  use hydraulic hoses. These hoses usually are quite durable and reliable, but if you use them long enough, eventually one will leak or break. This issue will definetely lead to decreased production efficiency, increased costs, environmental damage or worksite injuries. When this happens, it is best to contact a certified professional who specializes in testing and repairing hydraulic hoses.

However, in some cases you may need to perform a field repair until you can reach a professional. Temporarily fixing a hydraulic hose is not as daunting of a task as one may think and the repair can be quite easy.

Choose the right Hydraulic Hose

Most heavy equipment perform several functions and each of these functions may require a different minimal pressure tolerance. Because of this, there may also be different types of hydraulic hoses with various minimal pressure ratings on a single piece of equipment. Because of this, there may also be different types of hydraulic hoses with various minimal pressure ratings on a single piece of equipment.

Therefore, it is always best to identify which specification the hose needing repair must meet. In most cases, the hose is made to a specific length, and you will have to use it in a shorter appearance after repair.

Keep in mind that it is extremely dangerous to replace a hose that does not meet the specification even for a while. On all hydraulic hoses, the minimum operating and maximum pressure of the hose rupture must be indicated. Consult a qualified professional if you have any doubts.

Remove the Damaged part of the Hydraulic Hose

As soon as you find the damage, you will need to cut off the damaged section of the hose. Even if the only problem is that the coupling at the end of the hose is leaking, you should cut off the damaged end. Thoroughly clean the area around the cut-off end of the hose. Clean it from dust, dirt or other contaminants, as they can get into the hydraulic fluid.

Even a tiny a grain of sand could damage internal components and lead to a costly breakdown. Thus, it is critical to ensure both the fittings and the cut hose ends are clean before proceeding with the rest of the repair.

Use right tools for Installation

In some instances, a hydraulic adapter will be required to complete the installation of a repaired hose. Since it is not always possible to carry every type of hydraulic coupling, an acceptable solution is to have a kit with a variety of adapters. If needed, install the adapters into the appropriate ports, making sure a solid connection has been made.

Proper tightening of adapters and couplings is an integral part of the repair process. Excessive or insufficient tightening torque may have an adverse effect on the hydraulic system. If you are not sure how much effort is needed, consult with the system manufacturer or a qualified technician before proceeding.

Make sure the length is correct

Next, install the hydraulic hose in its place and make sure that the length is sufficient. A hose that is too long or poorly laid will be subject to additional pressure and wear. Although having a longer hose is better than having a too short one, ideally it should have a length corresponding to the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations that ensure the correct laying. Hydraulic systems are constantly under pressure, and a too short hose will be more at risk of failure.

If the hose is the appropriate length, be sure that it is properly routed. This will enable the rest of the hydraulic system to function normally. A lot of of equipment use angled fittings to route their hoses and allow hydraulic oil to flow more freely. If an angled adapter or coupling is required, install the angled fitting first to ensure correct positioning. Once the angled adapter is in place, the end of the hose assembly can be threaded onto the adapter or port.

Ensure a Proper Seal

When installing the hydraulic hose, make sure that the proper seal is provided. Even a small gap or defect in the seal can cause problems in the hydraulic system, so before proceeding, double check the tightness of the seal. Remember that the seal should be reliable, but not too tight. Never twist or tighten the hose when installing it in place. Use a wrench to tighten the fitting, being careful not to tighten the seal too much.

Start System at Low Pressure to Check for Leaks

Finally, turn on the hydraulic system and circulate the oil or hydraulic fluid at low pressure. This will make it easier to spot potential leaks and any damaged connections. Circulating the hydraulic fluid under low pressure will also purge any remaining air. Air in the system could reduce performance or damage pumps and other components.

Let the hydraulic system run for several minutes and then check again for leaks. Never use your hands to check for leaks, as this can cause an injury. Instead, use cardboard or a sheet of paper. It may take a few minutes for a leak to become apparent, so always double-check the system before using.

Some hydraulic fluids come pre-dyed in a distinctive color to help staff detect any possible leakages. High quality lubricants can speed field repairs along when staff can easily identify areas of concern.

Making simple repairs to your hydraulic hoses is not as difficult as you may think. However, it is recommended that you have a professional inspect your work. This will guarantee that no mistakes have been made and will reduce issues in the future.

If you suspect that the hydraulic hose is leaking or otherwise damaged, act quickly and immediately make the necessary repairs or replacements. If the leak is allowed to go unnoticed and not eliminated, this can lead to significant damage to the entire system and lead to expensive repairs of the hydraulics. Regardless of whether you work with an agricultural tractor, truck or industrial equipment, the serviceability of the hydraulic system depends largely on the quality of the hoses.

Contact HidroDeta specialists

In any case, if you are not sure that you can make the necessary repairs yourself, HidroDeta specialists are always happy to help you. Contact us if you need hydraulics repair, hydraulic hose repair, hydraulic hose replacement, hydraulic hose manufacture or advice on issues related to hydraulics.