Hydraulic hose pipes are an integral part of hydraulic systems. They are, of course, pretty durable due to the jobs they’re needed for. But, as with any piece of equipment, accidents and wear and tear can cause damage over time.
To keep your machinery in the best working condition, it’s hugely beneficial to have it serviced regularly by a professional company. This is a service that MCH Hydraulics offer to our customers in the Derbyshire area, giving you peace of mind that your machinery is in the best working condition.
However, with the average life span of a hydraulic hose significantly less than the hydraulic system as a whole, learning how to replace hydraulic hoses and basic hydraulic hose repair is a useful skill set to have if you work with hydraulic machinery.
The following article will give you both an overview of common types of damage in hydraulic hoses as well as a step-by-step guide to repairing a hydraulic hosepipe.
Types Of Hydraulic Hose Damage
Damage to hydraulic hoses is a common cause of both poor performance in a hydraulic system and total hydraulic system failure. To help you identify the issue, read the following common types of hydraulic hose damage.
Damage Behind the Hose End.
Where the hydraulic hose connects to the rest of the hydraulic system is a common area to see damage. This is because the connectors, i.e the fittings or flanges, do rub against the hose, especially in a system that is subject to a lot of movement. The rubbing causes added wear and tear.
Local External Damage.
Flicked-up stones or grit or other external forces can scratch, dent or otherwise damage hydraulic hoses.
External Wear.
Abrasion from contact with the floor is a common cause of hydraulic hose damage, especially in hydraulic cleaning applications where this is part and parcel of normal use.
Long-term Use Damage
Even with regular servicing and maintenance, the life span of a hydraulic hose is only around 5 years. This can be much less if your hydraulic system experiences hard use.
How To Fix A Leaking Hydraulic Hose
Of course, if you’re faced with a problem with your hydraulic machine in the short-term, such as a hydraulic hose leak, you’ll need to repair it to avoid downtime.
Follow this eight-step guide to repairing leaks in hydraulic hoses:
1. Find The Source Of The Leak
Although you may know one of your hydraulic hoses is damaged and leaking, you may not be able to easily see where the problem is. To help, firstly clean and dry your machine around the area where you think the leak may be. Next, make sure to wear safety goggles and pressurise the system. Watch closely to isolate where the fluid is coming from.
2. Identify The Correct Type Of Hose
Once you have identified where the leak is coming from, you can identify the correct type of hose needed to replace or repair it. The hose is likely to be cut to a custom length and you will need to add in a shorter assembly to make up for what is cut away during the repair.
You must ensure that you use the correct type of hose in your repair as it is very dangerous to use an incorrect hose, even in the short term. We are happy to advise on this if you are unsure.
3. Depressurise The Machine
Before you begin any type of repair, make sure that your machine is depressurised. Discharge the pumps and turn off the machine. Not depressurising your hydraulic system before commencing any kind of repair can result in both irreparable damage to the machine and severe injury to the person doing the repairs and potentially anyone else in the vicinity.
4. Remove The Broken Part Of The Hose
You can now move on to removing the broken section of the hose. Cut off the damaged end and remove it, making sure to clean the area around it of any dirt or grime as this could get into the hydraulic fluid and damage the machine resulting in a costly or time-consuming hydraulic cylinder repair.
5. Use An Adapter
A hydraulic adapter will be required to complete the repair and it’s advisable to have a kit with a variety of adapters. You can then install the adapters if you need to into the appropriate ports. Make sure a solid connection has been made.
Make sure that the adapters are tightened correctly. Too tight or too loose could have an adverse impact on the system. Again, if you are unsure how much pressure to apply, please contact us for advice.
6. Check The Length Is Correct
You can now place the hose assembly into position and check it is the correct length. It is better to have too much hose than too little, but ideally, it should be the correct length to allow proper routing as specified by NAHAD and manufacturer guidelines.
If you need to cut the hydraulic hose to size, which you probably will, using anything other than a clean, sharp and bevelled-edged blade can result in damage to your hose before you have even fitted it. You can purchase specific hydraulic hose blades but a new razor blade, like that used in a box cutter will be fit for the purpose.
7. Confirm A Proper Seal
Thread the end of the hose assembly onto or into the opposite port, ensuring that a seal is created. If a proper seal is not created, this can cause issues with the system. Make sure it is secure by using a wrench, but not too tight.
8. Operate The Machine At Low Pressure To Test The Repair
Lastly, turn on the machine and circulate hydraulic fluid at low pressure to check your repair. Run this for a few minutes, checking for any presence of a leak.
Finally
If you aren’t completely confident that you can perform this repair, then get a professional in. Even if you complete the repair to your hydraulic hose yourself, we recommended that you have a professional inspect your work.
Furthermore, to avoid future issues, it’s worth putting your hydraulic system through regular service and maintenance to minimise repairs. Contact us for details.