Hydraulic leak repair

A blown hose, a weeping cylinder, or oil on the tracks. It shows as oil on the boom or the ground, a function that is weak or slow, or a bucket that will not hold. The hose, the fitting, or the cylinder rod seal is traced where the machine sits. The repair is done at the machine, whenever possible.

A hydraulic leak is oil leaving a hose, a fitting or a cylinder. It shows up as oil on the tracks or the boom, a function that is weak or slow, or an attachment that settles after the machine is shut off.

System pressure is high enough that a spraying hose is a skin hazard. Most leaks are a chafed hose, a loose or cracked fitting, or a cylinder rod seal. Which function is weak, where the oil collects, and the make, model and hours narrow the circuit.

What you might be seeing

• Oil on the tracks, the boom, or the ground under the machine.
• A function that is weak or slow, or a bucket that creeps down overnight.
• A hose that is wet, bulged, or blown at a fitting.
• A cylinder that weeps at the rod seal.

Before a visit

• Shut the machine down if a hose is spraying. Do not run a hand along a hose to find the leak.
• Lower the bucket and attachments to the ground first.
• Put a drip tray or absorbent under the leak, especially near a creek or ditch.
• Note which function is weak or slow. That narrows the circuit.
• Have the make, model, hours and a photo of the serial plate ready.

When to call

Book a visit if oil is reaching the ground or a function will not hold. The rate and travel are confirmed before the trip.

Oil on the tracks can hide a roller that is starting to fail. That is covered on the track and undercarriage page. Scheduled oil, filters and a walkaround are on the maintenance page.