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Car Lift Hydraulic Cylinder Repair: Complete Guide

The hydraulic cylinder on your auto lift is arguably your hardest working component. As such, the cylinder will not be able to perform at its best if not kept clean and free from damage. Doing regular maintenance and examinations is the best way to save your money for repairs or replacement and by reducing downtime and eliminating interruptions to your work from malfunctions. However, after a certain amount of time, you may notice signs of deterioration or improper function where repairs are now inevitable. Find out how to identify common reasons for hydraulic cylinder failure and tips on how to proceed with repair.

Common Indicators of Repair

Leaking Cylinder

You might have heard the term cylinder bypass to refer to a leaking hydraulic cylinder. A leaking cylinder is an easily identifiable problem, but there could be several causes. Likely, the piston seals are worn, and their effectiveness have decreased greatly. Leaking can also result from damage to any of the internal parts, particularly the barrel or piston. Things like loose bearings, neighboring broken hydraulic components getting into the cylinder, or parts plagued with dirt and debris will also fail to prevent leaking.

Damaged Piston Rod

Any cracks, dents, rust, scratches, or other damage to your piston rod need to be addressed, otherwise your cylinder might suddenly fail. If the piston rod suffers significant damage, it creates more work for the hydraulic cylinder, eventually causing it to buckle or break. Make sure you test the piston rod to ensure it is strong enough and check if it is properly aligned within the cylinder. These precautionary actions are worth looking over to stop your cylinder from being overworked and repairs from becoming costlier.

Cylinder Mountings Are Not Secure

If mountings on the cylinder are not secure, pressure from your hydraulic system can escape. Fixed mountings should keep bolts in place and therefore should not move. On the other hand, pivot mountings need enough lubrication to operate correctly, and if too worn, they will become misaligned and in need of replacement.

While these issues are a main cause for repair, not every problem can be easily identified. Having a skilled technician with the right knowledge inspect your hydraulic cylinder often serves as the best way to discover the root cause. Get a professional involved so you can perform the correct repair or identify when full replacement might be the best choice. Even though a full replacement may sound like the most expensive option, making a series of incorrect repairs that do not resolve the underlying problem will end up adding up quickly.

Tips on How to Repair a Hydraulic Cylinder

Cylinder repair conditions change depending on the type of cylinder, and what type of repair is needed.  In a pinch, doing a repair on your own can save money, but here are some important things you will need to know.

  • Great preparation will set you up for success. If tackling a repair on your own, you will need a large enough workspace, the right tools, cleaning products, and safety precautions. Large cylinders often have some bounce back that can catch an amateur off guard if not prepared. If you feel unequipped to handle the repair safely, consider getting help from an experienced technician.
  • Your screwdriver can be your enemy. Lots of care is needed when working with hydraulic cylinders. You may be able to complete the task, but all it takes is a simple scratch from a screwdriver to erase all the work you just did. Since hydraulic cylinders cannot be damaged at risk of creating a new problem, a workspace where you have enough room to keep components separate and clean is absolutely essential.
  • Repeated repairs mean there is a bigger problem. Having a professional on hand will ensure the root of the problem is discovered with a thorough inspection. If you are removing a cylinder to make a repair, do not waste the opportunity to check for damage or other imperfections.
  • Check for proper seal size the right way. Before you order a new seal, you need to order the correct size. You can do this by measuring your current seal, but the size can be impacted from constant machine operation or poor installation. Measuring the grooves where the seals sit will provide a more accurate result. For more about seal replacement, you can consult this guide.

Repairing a hydraulic cylinder is literally a messy job, sometimes to save time or to keep your hands clean, it is best to leave the work in the hands of a professional. If uncertain of how to move forward, getting a skilled technician involved could shed some light on the bigger issue.

SVI International: Connecting You with High Quality Automotive Equipment

If ever in doubt about what parts you need to complete a maintenance repair or replacement of your hydraulic cylinder, SVI International is always here to help. As a leader in repair parts for automotive lifts, you can always expect a prompt delivery from one of our three warehouses across the United States. Reach out to us at (800) 321-8173 or complete ouronline contact form. Ask us about specialty hydraulic cylinders if customized needs are required for your job.

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