2 Signs You Need To Replace Your Equipment's Hydraulic Seals
Posted on: 16 September 2020
If you are using an older piece of hydraulic equipment for your business, you may be wondering whether or not it is time to replace the seals on the cylinder, especially if you suspect that the fluid within the cylinder is slowly leaking out. If so, look for the following signs that it is time to replace your equipment's hydraulic seals.
1. Edges of the Seals Appear Worn and Dull
One sign for which you should look when trying to determine the overall condition of the hydraulic cylinder's seals is worn-out and dull edges. Normally, the edges of the seals should be smooth with a dark color that indicates there is still moisture in the rubber.
However, as the seals start to age and are subjected to everyday use, the moisture within the material starts to dry up. When they become dry, the seals will appear dull in color, and micro-cracks will appear on their surfaces.
If the surface appears dull and you do not see obvious signs of cracking, turn off the equipment and allow it to cool down. Then, press a rounded tool into the seal.
If cracks appear, then the rubber's surface has hidden cracking. You may also see that the edges do not bounce back because of the loss of moisture. In either case, it is time to replace them.
2. Pressure Within the Hydraulic Cylinder Is Low
Another sign that your equipment's seals should be replaced can be ascertained by looking at the cylinder's pressure gauge. Normally, the pressure should remain constant, and it should not be too low or too high.
However, if the seals are worn out, they may be leaking small amounts of fluid. Since the fluid levels are going down, the pressure within the cylinder will drop as well.
When this happens, the equipment will work slowly and sluggishly unless you add more fluid. However, if the seals are slowly leaking fluid, you will have to continuously refill it to keep the pressure within its normal range.
If you notice that the seals look worn out and the hydraulic pressure within the cylinder is low, it is time to replace them before they break down completely and cause your equipment to stop working. Contact an industrial equipment and supplies company that offers hydraulic seals for assistance with finding the right size, shape, and model to fit your particular pieces of equipment.
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