3 Signs You Needs To Replace The Rubber Seals On Your Factory's Hydraulics System

If your factory depends on hydraulics systems, you may wonder how to tell if the rubber seals are starting to deteriorate. If so, look for the following three signs that you need to replace the rubber seals on your factory's hydraulics system.

Hydraulic Fluid Is Leaking Around The Seal

If you see hydraulic fluid leaking around the seal, this is a definite sign that the rubber is no longer sealing correctly. There could be a hole in the rubber itself, or the seal may have shrunk and created a gap between it and the metal.

Hydraulic fluid is necessary to keep the pistons lubricated inside the casing. If the seal becomes damaged or is not able to keep the fluid inside, they pistons can overheat. Not only could this cause expensive damage to the hydraulics, but the heat and friction inside the casing could cause the equipment to fall apart, potentially hurting anyone nearby.

Rubber Seal Has Become Dried And Rigid

Even if you do not see any fluid leakage, check the texture of the rubber seal. Do not do this with your hand, as the seal could be hot and burn your skin. Instead, use a thin wooden dowel or a screwdriver with a rag wrapped tightly around the tip.

Push the seal with your tool to see how it reacts. If the seal is soft and pliable, the rubber is as it should be. If there is no leaking fluid, the seal is working properly.

However, if you are unable to push the rubber in with slight pressure, it may have become dried and rigid. If the rubber is rigid, it is at risk of cracking open. This could cause a large amount of hydraulic fluid to leak out.

Cracks Are Present On The Seal

If the rubber seal is hard and rigid, there may already be cracks in it. If there is fluid on the seal, wipe it with a rag so you can see it better. If you see cracks, this is a sign that the seal needs to be replaced as soon as possible.

If you find one or more of the above signs, the seals are damaged and should be replaced as soon as possible to keep your hydraulics system operational. To find replacement seals that fit your machine, you may want to contact an industrial equipment supplier who specializes in creating custom rubber parts so they can design and create seals that fit.

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