A General Guide to Replacing the Hydraulic Cylinder of Your System

Blog | September 29th, 2021

A hydraulic system is a drive technology that maximises pressurised fluid in transmitting enough energy to a specific machine or tool. Some machines and tools that utilise the functionality of this system include cranes, car brakes, and aeroplanes.

To date, a hydraulic system utilises four main components, namely the reservoir, the pump, valves, and actuators. The reservoir holds the liquid, transfers the heat into the system, and removes air and moisture from the liquid. The pump, alternatively, helps in transporting mechanical energy into the system. The valves, on the other hand, direct the movement of the fluid. Finally, actuators convert the generated hydraulic energy back to mechanical energy, allowing machines and tools to operate.

One type of actuator that is common in hydraulic systems is known as the hydraulic cylinder. By utilising the pressurised hydraulic fluid, it can easily provide a linear motion and force to machines and tools.

Causes of Hydraulic Cylinder Failure

While a hydraulic cylinder is designed to operate for a long time, it can still obtain some issues that can affect the entire hydraulic system. Some parts of the hydraulic cylinder that tend to fail most of the time are the barrel, the piston rod, the piston, the cylinder head, the cylinder cap, seals, and bearings.

One potential cause of hydraulic cylinder failure would be the presence of contaminated pressurised hydraulic fluid. Without effective filtration of the fluid, it can damage the seals and shorten the service life of the system. Another possible cause of hydraulic cylinder failure would be its exposure to corrosive chemicals. Parts made from steel and seals may get damaged once this problem occurs.

Bearings, the barrel, and the rod that have deteriorated or dented can also cause hydraulic cylinder failure. These deteriorated parts can effectively affect the performance of the hydraulic system and yield safety risks to the users of the machine or tool.

Replacement of the Hydraulic Cylinder

The best way to avoid further damages to the hydraulic system is to replace the hydraulic cylinder. There are some things that you need to remember when replacing the said part of the system.

• Preparations: Before removing and replacing the hydraulic cylinder, the machine or tool and all associated parts must be turned off. They must also be put in a safe position so that they do not fall or cause injuries during the hydraulic cylinder replacement. Any loads that are supported by the machine or tool must likewise be lowered. 
• Removal: If the machine or tool is already secured in place, then the hydraulic hoses or pipes must be detached for easy lifting of the hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder holes and the ends of the hydraulic pipes must subsequently be protected. Afterwards, the hydraulic cylinder supports must be dismounted before lowering the cylinder carefully.
• Installation: The new hydraulic cylinder must fit all the requirements of the system. Once it suits the system, then the piston rod and bearings must be cleaned and lubricated. Necessary adjustments to the installation measure, end dampening, connection holes of the new hydraulic cylinder must likewise be done before lifting and fastening it into its place.

To find out more about hydraulic cylinders, feel free to call us at Mobile Hydraulic Specialties.

Mobile Hydraulic Specialties Pty Ltd

Factory 89, 38-40 Popes Road
Keysborough, Victoria, 3173

Phone: (03) 9798-6511

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