Keeping your hoses is a good state of maintenance will ensure that they serve you reliably for a longer period. However, maintenance and repair of hoses isn't as straightforward as it seems. It's easy to forget to do the right there or to make mistakes while attempting to repair a hydraulic hose. Therefore, you should do know what to do and what not to do when repairing these hoses.
Do Examine the Leak as Soon as You Notice it
Always assess a leak the moment you spot it no matter how small it looks. A serious leak may just be the result of a loose fitting while a small leak could be due to a serious failure in the hydraulic system. The size of the leak doesn't always relate to the severity of the problem. Therefore, it's a good idea to treat all cases seriously.
Don't Check the Leak Using Your Hand
The temperature of the hydraulic fluid can go as high as 300°F and the high pressure under which these fluids operate means that leaks can have velocities as high as 600 feet per second. This combination can cause a great deal of damage to your hand and can even pass through thick leather gloves.
Do Tighten the Fittings Correctly
Loose fittings are some of the most common causes of leaks in hydraulic systems. If the compression type tube fittings or flare joints are not properly torqued, a leak is quite likely to occur.
Don't Over Tighten Joints
Just as you should ensure a fitting is properly tightened, you should avoid the temptation to overdo it. Many people over tighten their fittings when repairing their hydraulic joints and this damages the fitting. In such cases, you'll likely have to replace the fittings in a short while.
Do Depressurize Before Inspections
Inspecting a hydraulic system can be dangerous work. The pressure inside the system can be very high. If someone inspects a compromised part of the system while it's still pressurized, it can burst, causing serious injuries. Therefore, ensure the system is depressurized before inspection commences.
Don't Use a Different Fitting
Some hydraulic fittings can be harder to get than others. As a temporary measure, some people use a different fitting when there is a need to replace one. However, this is quite dangerous and can lead to damage of equipment or injuries. Hydraulic hoses and their components must always be compatible and have the same ratings.
Contact a company, like Williams Oil Filter Service Co., for more help.