What Is the Lifespan of a Hydraulic Cylinder?
The lifespan of a hydraulic cylinder varies depending on several factors, such as the operating environment, quality of maintenance, and workload. Typically, hydraulic cylinders are designed to last between 15 to 20 years. However, this can fluctuate significantly based on specific applications, usage frequency, and the level of care provided.
Industries like construction, heavy machinery, and marine applications often subject hydraulic cylinders to harsher conditions, which can lead to accelerated wear and a shorter lifespan. Regular inspections, maintenance, and timely rebuilding can help extend the lifespan of hydraulic cylinders and maintain optimal performance.
What Tools Are Required for Rebuilding Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida Hydraulic Cylinders?
Rebuilding hydraulic cylinders involves using specialized tools to disassemble, clean, repair, and reassemble the components. Commonly used tools include:
– Cylinder Honing Machines: These machines are used to restore the smoothness and roundness of the cylinder bore by removing scratches and imperfections. Learn more about cylinder honing.
Don’t Delay When Your Hydraulic Equipment Fails
When Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida hydraulic equipment breaks down, quick action is essential. You generally have three choices: repair, replace, or rebuild.
While all three can be viable solutions, many companies are increasingly choosing to rebuild their hydraulic equipment rather than repair or replace components. So, what exactly is a rebuild, and when should you opt for it instead of a repair or replacement? Let’s explore these options to help you make a well-informed decision the next time your hydraulic equipment fails.
Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida Repair vs. Full Rebuild
Although definitions may vary by shop, a rebuild typically involves taking previously used equipment and completely reconditioning it for continued use. At Yarbrough Industries, our experts not only restore equipment to OEM specifications but often surpass the quality of new machinery.
A proper rebuild involves disassembling the equipment, inspecting every part individually, and evaluating components for wear and damage. Parts are replaced or reconditioned as necessary, followed by reassembly and rigorous quality and performance testing.
In contrast, a repair focuses on fixing only the parts directly involved in the failure, without addressing the overall condition of the equipment.
It’s important not to confuse rebuilt equipment with used equipment. Unlike used components, rebuilt equipment is reconditioned and tested for reliability, while used equipment may be closer to failure.
Cost Comparison: Repair, Rebuild, or Replace?
Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida Rebuilds are becoming more popular because they tend to save money over time. Typically, a rebuild costs about half the price of new equipment, including components like motors and pumps.
Although repairs may initially appear cheaper, they often lead to repeated breakdowns, requiring additional repairs. Over time, rebuilds prove to be more cost-effective and are certainly more affordable than purchasing new parts.
Lead Time Considerations
When time is critical, rebuilding hydraulic equipment is often the best choice over purchasing new parts. A certified rebuild generally has a much shorter lead time compared to waiting for new components to be manufactured and delivered. Delays in receiving replacement parts can lead to prolonged downtime, affecting production and increasing costs.
With a rebuild, components like cylinders or motors can be refurbished and put back into service quickly, minimizing equipment and employee downtime, and offering the most economical solution.
Types of Hydraulic Cylinders
The repair process for a hydraulic cylinder depends on the type of cylinder used in your system. Hydraulic cylinders generally fall into two categories: threaded head and wire ring. It’s crucial to identify the type of cylinder in your system before beginning any repair work.
Preparing to Rebuild the Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida Cylinder
Before starting the rebuild, clean the exterior of the cylinder housing and any connected hoses. This prevents dust, dirt, and debris from entering the system. When disconnecting hoses from the cylinder, plug the openings to avoid contamination. After this, remove the cylinder from the hydraulic system.
Rebuilding a Threaded Head Cylinder
Threaded head cylinders contain a set screw and an end cap that hold the internal components in place. First, open the ports on the cylinder and drain the hydraulic fluid. Once drained, remove the set screw, followed by the end cap, gland, and rod assembly. Be sure to replace all O-rings and seals—never reuse them.
Take note of the order and placement of O-rings and seals during disassembly. A photo from your smartphone can be helpful for reassembly. If you need to replace components like the piston, rod, gland, or end cap, loosen the lock nut on the rod assembly to remove the necessary parts.
Rebuild the Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida cylinder by first replacing the O-rings and seals, lubricating them with clean hydraulic fluid. Reassemble the rod assembly, ensuring the end cap and gland are correctly positioned. Carefully slide the rod assembly back into the cylinder housing, using a rocking motion if needed.
Rebuilding a Wire Ring Cylinder
A wire ring cylinder requires removing a steel wire ring before the rod assembly can be accessed. It’s essential to have a new seal kit ready, as all O-rings and seals must be replaced. The kit includes a special plastic removal ring needed to extract the rod assembly from the cylinder.
The general steps for rebuilding a Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida wire ring cylinder are as follows:
1. Retract the rod.
2. Remove the wire ring.
3. Clean off any debris under the ring.
4. Use a punch to carefully tap the head into the cylinder until the internal tube groove is visible.
5. Insert the special plastic removal ring into the groove.
6. Pull the rod assembly out of the cylinder.
7. Remove the lock nut from the bottom of the rod to replace the piston or gland.
8. Replace all O-rings and seals with new ones.
9. Remove the plastic ring from the cylinder.
10. Reassemble the rod assembly.
11. Lubricate the cylinder housing, seals, and O-rings.
12. Use a band clamp to compress the interior wire ring on the gland.
13. Slide the rod assembly back into the cylinder, allowing the band clamp to slide over the wire ring.
14. Remove the band clamp.
15. Install and lubricate the dual seal O-ring.
16. Slide the rod all the way into the cylinder housing.
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