Hydraulic seals, although simple, are one of the most important parts on many pieces of industrial equipment. After all, without them, you are sure to deal with pressure loss, leaks and all sorts of other issues. Because they are so important, and because they are also easy and affordable to change, it's important to make sure that you change them regularly. These are a few potential signs that your hydraulic seals should be changed.
They're Showing Signs of Wear and Tear
Each day when your equipment is inspected for safety, it is important to take a look at the hydraulic seals. The seals should not have any cracks or warping, which can happen due to wear and tear. The color should not be overly faded, and they should look rather new in appearance. Once they begin to look worn out, there's a chance that they are worn down and are either failing or will begin to fail soon. It's smart to keep extra hydraulic seals on hand so that they can be changed as this wear and tear occurs.
You Notice a Leak
If you notice the signs of a leak on your equipment -- whether it be leaked water from your machinery or a loss of pressure -- you might panic and wonder what could be causing this malfunction with your equipment. It's true that all sorts of problems can cause these leaks, but one of the easiest -- and most affordable -- to remedy is an issue with the hydraulic seals. Consider swapping them out before exploring other potential problems, since the seals may be worn out or otherwise faulty. This may help you solve the problem before dedicating time and money to other repairs that might not need to be done.
You're Making Changes to Your System
Just because your existing seals are the best choice for your machinery right now does not mean that this will continue to be the case. Some seals have certain pressure levels, and they may not be effective if there is going to be higher pressure within your equipment. Any time that you make major changes to your machinery, it is smart to ensure that you are using the best seals for the job.
As you can see, there are a few signs that you can look for to determine when to replace your hydraulic seals. Then, you can change them before you face the issues that can go along with them being faulty.