Hydraulic cylinders are used in a variety of industrial and construction applications. They are often exposed to oil, grease, moisture, and dust.
It was cleaning the area around where the cylinder will be repaired. This is done for safety reasons and to protect the area from any incidental spills of these potentially damaging fluids.
It is cleaning all equipment that will come into contact with hydraulic fluid, including work gloves and clothing. All contaminated equipment should be thoroughly cleaned with detergent followed by a hot water rinse before re-use or storage in a protective container until it can be adequately cleaned or disposed of later.
Store all hydraulic equipment and tools safely away from where to get hydraulic cylinder repair services. Where possible, store everything in its original packaging or plastic bags (to prevent fluid leaks), and clearly label which ends face up. To prevent fluid leakage and accidental damage to the equipment, store it on a flat surface with the valves pointing to the floor.
Remove the cap on top of the cylinder’s piston, if there is one. This can be done by applying pressure to either end of the cylinder until it unscrews or separates from its seat inside the base of the cylinder, depending on the design. You can also use a wrench for this step, but tighter screws may require using an adjustable wrench instead.
Remove the cylinder cover, if there is one. This will be a part of the hydraulic unit that can usually be broken free by applying pressure to either end with enough force to cause a clip or other mechanism holding it in place to break free.
Remove the cylinder/piston assembly and place it aside after cleaning any debris. Some cylinders have been designed with flanges that prevent the removal of all pieces, requiring special tools and techniques for proper cleaning. If such is the case, clean all assembly parts thoroughly to minimize the danger of further contamination.
Use a brush to remove any buildup of dirt or residue from the cylinder, but avoid damaging the metal beyond what is necessary for effective cleaning. Do not use any cleaning agent (such as solvent or cleaning fluid) on the cylinder, as it could cause adverse chemical reactions that could ruin its integrity.
Using a rag and fluid-resistant gloves, apply a thin layer of oil to all surfaces contaminated by hydraulic oil. This will help prevent rusting and deterioration of metal surfaces during the drying process. Make sure to remove any excess fat after each application with clean cloths to avoid unnecessary contamination.
