A hydraulic hose can be found in a myriad of vehicles, from cars to vans. It can even be seen used in farm equipment like tractors or heavy machinery like a forklift. This hose might require replacement if it starts leaking hydraulic oil.
Replacing this hose is most efficiently done with a hydraulic hose kit because it has everything you need and might even have instructions attached to it. However, if you lack instructions then keep on reading because this article should be able to cover how to install it on your own.
It's moderate in difficulty and requires parts and tools like new hydraulic hose fittings, clamps, chains, pipe wrench, multi-purpose wrench, rags, buckets, working clothes, gloves, and protective eyeglasses.
The ABCs of Hydraulic Hose Installation
- Locate and Assess: Look for the compromised hood and assess how many parts of your car must be removed in order to access it. Know which hydraulic component the hose is connected to for good measure. Also learn which other hydraulics requiring removal have a weight or live load on them. Lower to the ground all the attachments that the hydraulic cylinder supports. You can also chain them up for safety's sake. Now you should get a hold of your tools.
- Hose Removal with Wrenches and Carefulness: Remove the hose fitting with your wrenches. Use one wrench to hold the stationary side of the coupling and then turn the other side with your wrench to separate them altogether without damaging the O-ring. Take all the clamps and attachments that can interfere or block taking off the hose. This might include the cylinder as well. In regards to the fitting connecting the hose to your hydraulics, loosen it up first and take note of how it attaches the hose to the system.
- Hose Replacement Preparation: Pull the hose off while checking if both ends have been removed. Watch out for the oil that could spill from either direction. The fittings should be plugged up with clean rags or a special threaded cap to safeguard them from debris. Wipe the oil from the hose and take it to our auto shop for immediate replacement. You can also check on the Internet for replacement options. Prior to replacement and reinstallation of your new hose, clean up the fittings. They should be dirt-free.
- Hose Placement and Finishing Up: Ensure there's correct hose positioning and placement by remembering how the old hose was placed. Put everything back the way they were by reinstalling them in reverse order of their uninstallation. For example, put back the clamps, guards, and so forth you removed to access the errant hose in the first place. Use the old clamps if they're still good and use the new clamps found in your kit if the old clamps are damaged beyond reuse. Finally, check your fluid level, crank your car up, and then check for leaks after cranking.