A few pics of repacking a hydraulic cylinder

[Billrog]

A lot of individuals come here who have never packed or repaired a cylinder so since I had one to do I thought a few pics. may help at least as a confidence builder for anyone wishing to tackle this job.I'm no professional or mechanic but have done a 1/2 doz. or so , so helpful suggestions always welcome.


Now in this next pic.I've only had a gland wrench for a few cylinders originally I just compromised by other methonds of getting the end off they are generally never as tough as this one was.







As I take each piece of I clean it up very good so when I put the new pieces on they won't get damaged.




The larger yellow center seal in the next pic. I warmed up in hot water to make the installing a little easier.



The lip on each seal will always point towards the piston the instructions in the kit should mention this.


This morning I took the rod in and had it straightened for $25 now I'll get it back together. Hope the pics. help some one.

 

[Richard]

I just did my two swing cylinders and currently have my boom cylinder out for repacking.

I had never thought of reversing the rod and reattaching it to it's mounting point for stability when you crank on the nut.... very nice idea.

(then again, I've never done one of these)

This makes it look so simple that I'm probably going to puke when I get the bill on mine. No estimate yet, I'm guessing $1,200 given that the dipper stick cylinder was (if I recall) around $900 when I had it done years ago)

 

[davesl708]

Thanks for the pictorial. Makes my little 1" cylinders look very simple.

 

[k0ua]

Thanks for teaching us something..I appreciate it.

 

[Rustyiron]

Well appreciated Billrog!
How about on a cyl. of unknown make? How does one go about getting the right seal kit? Is a small, random implement ($100) cylinder worth chasing down unknown seals and the time? I do hate to junk anything without trying to fix it, but my above questions have had me guess that by the time I ………….
Thanks for posting.:thumbsup:

 

[s219]

Great pics, thanks!

 

[Billrog]

I think most the seals are readily available at most hydraulic repair shops. If a person pulls the ram out and takes it in or takes a few pics. with some measurements it could be emailed to a hydraulic supply or repair shop for replacement seals even most any machine shop generally have suppliers or stock.

 

[4310]

Great post!! Thanks

 

[skyhook]

Thanks for taking the time to post this, Billrog:thumbsup:, So, did this take care of your leak-down?
I'm about to do mine also, boom, dipper and two front loader lift cylinders, have the seal kits already.

 

[Gordon Gould]

As the others have said - a great tutorial. Pictures are worth a thousand words as they say.
Thanks for taking the time to post this. Posts like that are a huge benefit.

gg