5 Signs That Your Hydraulic Hose Needs Repairing

One of the most important and vulnerable parts of any hydraulic system is the hydraulic hose. This is because they are sometimes, easily caught on objects.

The life of a hydraulic hose depends on many factors such as:

• The way they are used and the amount of contact they have with materials or actions that could damage them
• The most likely causes for hydraulic hose failure are being pulled, kinked, abrasion, or being crushed
• Under normal conditions the working life of a hydraulic hose is between one and three years
• As Part of your maintenance program, it is advisable to keep a log of any hose or fitting replacements as well as the running hours, so you will have a more accurate idea of their life span in your operation

It is vital for hydraulic hoses to be regularly checked to ensure you prevent down time and possible damage to your hydraulic pumps and other moving parts through hydraulic fluid starvation when there is a rupture of leak from any fitting or hose.

These are five common signs that your hydraulic hose needs to be repaired:

• Crushed Hoses

Because hydraulic hoses are often exposed, they are easily crushed through accidental impact or from moving rocks or other heavy objects. This can adversely affect their internal reinforcing which is often woven steel wire that can break or be damaged through impact. This can cause a pressure build up or weaken the wall of the hose so it can split or burst

Oil Leaks around the Hose

• Having oil leaks around the hydraulic hose is a sure sign that the hose needs repairs. Possibly the whole unit needs to be replaced
• Check the fittings, some fittings are crimped and are not reusable while some fittings are made to be reusable and can be undone, but these need to be checked carefully before reusing as they are then prone to leaking

Exposed Wire

This indicates that there has been sever abrasions or the rubber has been cut by impact, in either case it is advisable to replace the section of hose

Extensive Hose Damage

It’s expected that there will be a small amount of surface damage such as scuff and nicks to most hydraulic hoses during their normal operation, but there should not be excessive amounts. Sometimes they can be damaged by excessive heat or friction from rubbing.

If you are aware of this type of damage consider replacing them

Hose Kinks

Under normal conditions a hose should never kink, but if this occurs, it is likely to be because the hose is not the correct size or its routing has been altered. This will usually cause permanent damage or weakness unless found immediately and rectified

Cracked Fittings

If you find that the fittings on the hydraulic hoses are leaking it may be because they have loosened, are corroded or cracked. Often when a fitting is damaged the hose is also suspect and it is better to replace the whole unit.

Keeping your hydraulics running efficiently and without breakdowns starts with ensuring you hydraulic hose components are in good condition. Keeping a log on any repairs and looking out for any damage, or signs of kinking or crushing will help prevent breakdowns.

We are experts in the fabrication, assembly, repair, maintenance and design of hydraulic systems.