Are you replacing old and worn seals in your hydraulic equipment? If, so you should be aware that the replacement process is a great determinant of the performance of the new seals. Hydraulic seals are designed to create a seal assembly or block fluid in motion applications. Therefore, if they aren’t installed correctly, they can cause leaks or lead to the failure of the entire seal assembly. That’s why you need to observe the following installation tips for hydraulic seal replacement.
1. Inspect Installation Parts
One of the leading causes of seal failure is damaged installation parts. If the parts have scratches, sharp points, or dirt and debris, the new seals will fail within no time. Therefore, inspect your seal assembly and the surrounding parts to ensure that they are not damaged. If there are faults, carry out necessary repairs before carrying out hydraulic seal replacement. Also, clean the parts to get rid of debris and dirt that may have been left behind by the old seals.
2. Clean the Seals
When installing new seals, you may assume that they don’t require any pre-installation cleaning. However, any dirt or grime on the seals can affect the sealing performance and lead to failure. Therefore, clean the seals first before installing them. In this case, you don’t need to use water. Simply get some lint-free cloths and use them to wipe the surface and get rid of any traces of dirt or grime. Ensure that you use clean hands are clean before embarking on the next step.
3. Lubricate the seals
Lubrication prevents friction which can accelerate seal damage and failure. That’s why you should lubricate the seals before installation to ensure that they do not grind against the installation parts. Use the right lube for this task. Some of the best lube options for hydraulic seals are silicone grease, petroleum base, fluorocarbon fluid, and barium grease. You can check the seal manufacturer’s specifications on the types of lubricants that are best used with the seal.
4. Use the Right Tools
Your choice of tools is essential when installing hydraulic seals. If you use sharp tools, they can poke the seal and cause surface damage which will result in leaking. To avoid this, invest in a professional seal installation kit. These installation kits have the right tools such as O-ring twistor sets to prevent seal damage during the process.
Seal failure can wreak havoc in your hydraulic equipment and cause downtime in your facility. Prevent this problem by properly installing your replacement seals. If you aren’t sure of the procedure, seek professional assistance and you will prevent hydraulic equipment failure in the future.
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