I've gotten (and ignored) this question for years. How to find an internal hydraulic piston leak without disassembling the ram.
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By AvvE

16 thoughts on “What’s in a hydraulic cylinder? what’s the simplest way to troubleshoot?”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Pixelated says:

    You don't need a gauge just remove the pressure line on one end and fire up the machine and pressurize the other end when the cylinder is fully extended. If fluid is bypassing it's gonna leak out the end with the hose removed. Easy.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars parmar rahul says:

    In my grader all functions are work great but when I use blad up down blad slow up and down what was the problem

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Patrick Brady says:

    you do not need to block of the piston end…its better not to block it at all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sasha Gray says:

    I know I’m late to the party but you can’t always remove the blind end hose and cap the fitting if you raise your implement..

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike says:

    Took longer to realise than I’d like to admit, that the force was applied via the vice, rather than the other way round.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Andrew Smyth says:

    Have you ever heard of a Cylinder Gland Nut unscrewing itself over time and if so what might you suggest would be a potential cause?

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael Costello says:

    Thanks. More stuff to think about

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Garrett Coleman says:

    Does oil compress? Just had to bust your balls man.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Vince Dibona says:

    "Old Chimera" – that was my nickname back in high school.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Timothy Kelley says:

    Worked construction for a very short time… always wondered about the magic that was going on inside those hydraulic cylinders… thanks

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gordon Agent says:

    Really enjoyed this video, heaps of good info for us newbies. Would have loved to see you go to a white board and make some sketches and throw in some figures from a pump so that you know what size cylinder you need, rods, pistons etc. Can you buy the pistons from a hydraulic supply along with the pipe, seals and wear rings etc. Many thanks and all the best for 2019

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mark Chisholm says:

    Hmm. Surely a quicker method would be to open up the return end and put pressure on the ram whilst held tight. Leakage would immediately indicate a leaking seal. However in my experience on rams most leakage is across the counterbalance valves.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars FirstLookPro 7 says:

    A boot?

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars john smith says:

    Hey AvE thought I would mention that in my experience of bad piston seals i can normally feel heat on the outside of the cylinder where that oil is rushing past a bad piston seal. If i feel that i know its in the cylinder and not a valve or another leak.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars unfa🇺🇦 says:

    Keep your hydraulic cylinder in a vice!

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Duarte Handyman Services LLC. Duarte says:

    I have a pair of hydraulic cylinders on my ladder rack, their purpose is to bring the ladder down when you push up on a lever, however im having the problem that they are stiff, how do I go on maintaining them so they can close and open smooth like when they were new? TIA

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