6 Steps for Fixing Hydraulic Hoses

6 Steps for Fixing Hydraulic Hoses

With the rapid development of industry, transportation has also made great progress. But it also brought some inconvenience to people. Traffic will become crowded and the factory will increase its efforts to produce machinery and equipment. However, their use is closely related to hydraulic pipes. These rubber hoses are generally very durable but will eventually break if used for too long. When this happens, it is best to contact a professional hydraulic hose service person. However, in the event of an emergency, you may need to perform an on-site repair until you can contact a professional. Temporary fixing of hydraulic hoses is not as daunting as one might think. Once the process is broken down into six steps, the repair can be quite easy.

1. Identify the Correct Hose

Most heavy equipment can perform several functions (i.e., lifting, pushing, pulling or cutting), 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. Therefore, it is always best to identify which specification the hose needing repair must meet. In most cases, the hose assembly is made to a specific length, and you will need to splice in a shorter assembly to make up for what is cut away during repair.

Keep in mind that it is extremely dangerous to substitute an incorrect hose even in a temporary capacity. All hydraulic rubber hoses are required to state the minimum operating and maximum burst pressures on the hose. Consult with a trained professional if you have any doubts.

2. Remove the Damaged Area

Once you have completed step one, you will need to cut out the damaged area of the hose. Even if the only issue is that the coupling on the end of the hose is leaking, you must cut off the defective end. Thoroughly clean the area around the cut end of the hose. Clear the area of any dust, dirt or other contaminants, as they could contaminate the hydraulic fluid. Even a tiny speck of dirt 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.

3. Use an Adapter to Complete 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 (or torqueing) of the adapters and couplings is an essential part of the repair process. Over- and under-torqueing could have an adverse impact on the hydraulic system. If you are unsure how much torque to apply, consult with the system manufacturer or a trained professional before proceeding.

4. Confirm the Correct Length

Next, place the hose assembly into its position and confirm that the length is sufficient. An overstretched or poorly routed hose will be subject to additional pressure and fatigue. Although it is better to have too much hose rather than too little, it is ideal to have the correct length that allows proper routing according to Standards Rubber and manufacturer guidelines. Hydraulic systems are constantly under pressure, and a hose that is too short will be more prone to a dangerous (and costly) failure.

Once 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. Many pieces 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.

5. Ensure a Proper Seal

Thread the remaining end of the hose assembly onto or into the opposite port, verifying that a proper seal is created. Even a small gap or imperfection in the seal can cause problems for the hydraulic system, so double-check the tightness of the seal before proceeding. Remember, the seal should be secure but not overly tight. Never twist or torque the hose when putting it in place. Use a wrench to tighten the fitting, being careful not to overtighten the seal.

6. Circulate Fluid 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 delicate components.

Continue to run the hydraulic system for several minutes and then check again for leaks. Never use your hand to check for leaks, as this can cause a fluid injection 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 driving the vehicle or using the machinery.

Making simple repairs to hydraulic hoses are not as difficult as you might think. However, Standard Rubber experts recommend that you be tested by a professional staff member. This will save you a lot of time and unnecessary trouble.

If you suspect that the hydraulic hose is leaking or otherwise damaged, take immediate action and immediately perform the necessary repairs or replacements. Whether you are using a variety of vehicles or industrial machinery, the integrity of the hydraulic system is as good as the quality of the hose.