How is a hydraulic cylinder tested?
The purpose of testing a hydraulic cylinder is to verify the success of maintenance and repair work.
The cylinder must always be tested and pressure-tested after servicing or repairs—before installation—so you can avoid unnecessary installation work if the cylinder happens to leak for any reason.
If the cylinder has just been assembled and thread lockers have been used during assembly, you must wait at least 30 minutes for the adhesive to cure before performing the test and pressure check.
Testing can be done by following this basic procedure:
1. Connect the hoses to the cylinder.
2. Slowly feed oil into the cylinder and run it back and forth in small movements to remove any air.
3. Release the minus / B-channel and pressurize the plus / A-channel. Check that there are no leaks from welds, seals, or threads.
4. Then release the plus / A-channel and pressurize the minus / B-channel. Again, check that there are no leaks from welds, seals, or threads.
5. Finally, release pressure from both channels of the cylinder.
6. Remove the cylinder from the test bench, install it into the machine, and get back to work.
When testing a hydraulic cylinder, safety is the top priority—and it should be emphasized at every stage of the process.
Always make sure you’re wearing the correct personal protective equipment when working with cylinders. At a minimum, this means safety glasses and steel-capped boots.
