How to Replace a Hydraulic Hose

Before we get into the messy details on how to replace a hydraulic hose, let us first understand as what exactly a hydraulic hose is. Most heavy equipment and farm equipments use hydraulics to create and exert the required power for executing heavy duty jobs like digging, breaking, paving , lifting of heavy material etc. The hydraulic system usually consists of hydraulic cylinders, pumps and valve spools in various combinations. This arrangement is usually connected and interconnected with a number of steel tubes and steel reinforced rubber hoses. Given the natures of work of the machines and the high pressure that this arrangement is subjected to, the hydraulic oil is bound to leak at some point of time or the other. Leaking hydraulic oil is an indication that the hose or hoses need to be replaced.

Steps to replace a hydraulic hose

1. Locate the leak: Before one goes about replacing a hose, one has to be sure about the exact hose that is leaking and its location before starting with the rather messy procedure. Follow the oil leak back to its source using a cardboard, paper or a leak detection kit, never any of you body parts.

2. Make note when dissembling: The hydraulics are a complex assembly with various small and big components. Keeping this fact in mind its best to make note and mark the components in the order that they are removed. Failing to do so may cause difficulties when reassembling the set up.

3. Check for live load: Before getting to work ensure that the hose in question does not have a live load. The attachments need to be placed down and the hoses decompressed before opening them up. Opening hoses under pressure will cause the oil to gush out and spilling all over.

4. Gear up and clean up: Gear up with all the required set of tools that may be required to get the job done at the earliest possible. Remove any components that are not required or can cause difficulty when replacing the hose.

5. Removing the hose: It is a delicate job and must be done with caution. As required, loosen the parts and unfasten the hose on both ends before pulling to remove it. Ensure that no parts are damaged when extracting the hose in question. The fitting that remain attached should be coved appropriately to keep debris from entering the system.

6. Replace with original parts: Use an original replacement from the OEM so that the hoses are proper fits and compatible. Using low quality products can significantly damage your machine.

7. Clean up: The new hose and the existing assembly both need to be clean of any debris which can possibly damage the system. All oil and dirt on the outside of the components should be cleaned properly.

8. Reassembling: Carefully reassemble the components in their proper place and tighten the fittings all the while making sure that everything is properly aligned and is a snug fit. Do not remove any parts or add extras.

9. Final check: Before concluding the job, check the fluid levels and do a final check for any leaks and trapped air bubbles. If required make the necessary changes in case a problem is noticed.