Are aluminum fittings okay in a 1500psi hydraulic system?

matt2491 · Jul 25, 2019

I am putting together a relatively simple hydraulics system. The system will be powered from a GM Type II automotive power steering pump that generates no more than 1500psi. Are aluminum adapters & fittings okay to use at this pressure? Some of the adapters I need come from the automotive world and are only available in aluminum.

dfkrug · Jul 25, 2019

If they are rated for that kind of pressure, they are OK.

In the automotive world, they often use "AN" fittings, which fit JIC fittings in the hydraulic world.

I use a power steering vane pump and a one-spool hyd valve to power my hyd dump bed on my Suzuki
Samurai. I get only 1400 psi, and may modify to get 1600. One of my fittings is type "AN".

matt2491 · Jul 25, 2019

Thanks for your reply.

What if they have no rating? Risky to use?

For example, I'd really like to use this -8 to dual -6 Y-adapter made by Vibrant:

There is no published pressure rating, but it would fit perfectly in my system to split a pressure line feeding two cylinders mounted next to each other. Just wondering if I'm asking for trouble.

kennyd · Jul 25, 2019

I'd use it...as long as it's machined and not cast-which it looks like it is (machined that is).

mrmikey · Jul 26, 2019

I'd be using it also. If you are worried about a possible burst, cover it with a heavy canvas and zip tie it around the fitting. May not look the best but it'll prevent a spray of fluid getting somebody.........Mike

PILOON · Jul 26, 2019

Aviation uses a lot of aluminum fittings but then there are many grades of aluminum*.

Two standards exist, the original was T series while current nomenclatures is NAS.

*T1 - T6 with T1 being soft and T6 very stiff and actually quite brittle but very strong.
T6 machines nicely but don't try to form it on a brake.