Chances are that your hydraulic hose is not leaking because it’s faulty. The most common hydraulic hose leaks are due to incorrect fitting or installation. In addition, if an O-ring is missing or damaged, or if excessive over-under-torquing has occurred, the seal may not be properly aligned, and worse yet, the threads may be destroyed.
Improper Fittings
Leaks can occur with a variety of fittings, depending on the material and design, as well as the way they have been removed and reinstalled. For example, tightening an NPT or JIC fitting after removing it might cause its threads to be stripped, allowing hydraulic oil to flow through. These designs are generally leak-tight at first installation, but they should not be reused. If an NPT or JIC fitting must be removed and replaced, a new fitting assembly is required.
Poor Installation
Hoses sometimes develop leaks as a result of installation and routing. If the hose is not long enough, installation and routing might cause hose leaks. If a hose is too short, it won’t be able to expand and contract with the frequent changes in pressure and temperature, putting strain on connections, hose covers, and reinforcement.
Faulty Supports and Clamps
Vibration can cause hose assemblies to fail if hose supports and clamps are not put in a system. The weight of the fluid is supported by clamps and brackets, which reduce stress on the connections and maintain tension on the heavy hoses as the pressure is applied.
Contamination
Contamination, the bane of all hydraulic systems, may cause a hydraulic hose’s inner tube to break and result in leak. Before fittings are put into place, all hose components should be cleaned by flushing or utilizing high-pressure projectiles. Use caps and plugs to keep hoses clean until they are installed in the system after cleaning them.
Here at Harrison Hose and Tubing, our knowledgeable staff can help answer any questions you might have on hose, tubing, and their applications. Contact us today and learn more!
