3 Important Things To Do When Installing Hydraulic Seals
Posted on: 14 July 2022
A lot of the heavy equipment and industrial machinery used in manufacturing facilities today rely on hydraulic power. A small rubberized ring known as a hydraulic seal holds the key to the efficient performance of any hydraulic system.
The seal is responsible for helping to maintain hydraulic pressure and prevent the co-mingling of liquids inside the hydraulic system itself. Only seals that have been properly installed will be able to live up to these expectations.
Here are three important things that you should be doing when installing hydraulic seals to ensure they function problem-free in the future.
1. Keep Things Clean
Because hydraulic systems are so highly pressurized, it is essential that all replacement parts- including the seal- are kept clean prior to installation.
Even the smallest granule of sand or other contaminants could cause the seal to fail prematurely. Dirt and debris on the surface of the hydraulic seal can also cause damage to the hydraulic system over time.
Only lint-free cloths and specialized hydraulic tools should be used during seal installation to prevent any accidental contamination.
2. Use Enough Lubricant
Lubrication is important within any hydraulic system. The right lubricant can prevent the moving components of a machine or piece of equipment from experiencing any friction.
Both the new seal and its sealing path should be lubricated with ample amounts of product prior to installation. Barium grease, petroleum lubricants, and fluorocarbon fluid are all acceptable lubricating products for hydraulic seals.
Apply a generous amount to your new seal and its installation path to ensure that your hydraulic system continues to run smoothly over time.
3. Heat the Seals
Raising the temperature of new hydraulic seals before you attempt to install them can be a great way to improve your success rate. The best way to warm up hydraulic seals is to place them in a bowl with warm lubricant.
Allow the seals to soak until they become soft and pliable. The heated lubricant will help soften the sealing compound and make it easier to manipulate the seal during installation.
Most hydraulic seals fit snugly to help ensure they maintain hydraulic pressure, so the added flexibility that comes from a heated seal can make this type of replacement part much easier to install.
It's inevitable that you will have to replace a hydraulic seal at some point. Take the time to soak your replacement seals in hot lubricant, apply lots of lubricant to the seal path, and maintain a clean work environment to ensure the installation of a new hydraulic seal is a success.
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