3 Tips For Effective Hydraulic Seal Installation

Whether you are replacing a hydraulic seal as part of your routine maintenance routine, or installing a new seal to replace a faulty one, there are some important considerations that must be made to ensure proper installation occurs. Since many of your employees probably aren't master mechanics, instructing them on the proper procedure for replacing hydraulic seals could help you increase the productivity of your machines.

Here are three installation tips that every employee handling hydraulic seals should be familiar with.

1. Make sure new seals are clean before installation.

Contaminants in your hydraulic fluid could cause machines to malfunction. Even small bits of debris (like dust particles) can affect the sealing ability of the hydraulic seal being installed.

Prior to installation, be sure that your employees take the time to clean both the new seal and any tools that will be used during installation with a lint-free cloth. This will prevent contamination and ensure that the newly installed seal performs at optimum levels. 

2. Protect new seals from damage before installation.

Hydraulic seals are prone to damage when coming into contact with sharp corners or metal burrs. If the material used to make your seals is nicked prior to installation, the seal's strength could be compromised.

Be sure that your employees are protecting new seals by keeping them away from any sharp surfaces and by filing down any metal burrs that exist in a machine's hydraulic cylinder.

3. Ensure proper lubrication before new hydraulic seals are installed.

If you want a newly installed seal to perform at optimum levels, proper lubrication before installation is essential. Instruct your employees on the importance of proper lubrication so that they will not overlook this step during the installation process.

Selecting the right oil to lubricate your seals is important. An oil with a viscosity that is compatible with the material your seals are made from will produce the best results. Be sure that your employees are following the manufacturer's directions when it comes to lubricating hydraulic seals prior to installation, and your machines will perform better and last longer.

Having employees replace faulty hydraulic seals can be beneficial in reducing your overhead expenses because you won't need to hire a mechanic to complete the task. Be sure that your employees know that they need to keep seals clean, protect them from damage, and properly lubricate hydraulic seals prior to installation to achieve the best results.


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