Due to the nature of the machinery that hydraulic hoses are used in, it may not always be possible to easily see where a hydraulic hose is leaking from. They can be wound around tight corners, through small spaces and often cross one another. A pool of liquid is helpful to identify the general area of a leak. You should clean the area around the liquid, and then pressurize the whole system. Wearing protective eyewear, you can inspect the cleaned area to ascertain which hose the leak is coming from. Never reach in the area with your hands. Having confirmed which hose is faulty, look at fixing it or replacing it completely.
Fixing The Hose
First of all, depressurize the whole system, turn off the accumulator and discharge the pumps to ensure that liquid does not uncontrollably spray out as you are working. If the hose can be repaired, it is usually just a loose hose nut – at the point where the hose is connected to the machinery – which is causing the leak. Tighten all of the hose nuts. If you notice that the hydraulic hose is damaged, worn or cracked, you will need to replace the hose. Replacement hoses can be purchased or ordered from the manufacturer of your machinery.
Capping The Hose
Trace both ends of the hose which are connected to the machinery. You should have suitable caps ready to plug the end of the hose and the actual machine to avoid any debris from entering the machinery – if debris enters the machine, this will cause further problems. If you do not have proper hydraulic caps, a clean rag stuffed into the end of the hose and the machine will suffice. Remove the hose clamp, and un-tighten the hose nuts from one end of the hose. Working quickly at this point, remove the end of the hose from the machine, and cap. Cap the machinery as well. Repeat at the other end of the hose, capping both the hose and the machinery.
Replace The Hose
Ensure that the replacement hose is as clean as you can get it. Use pressurized air directed through the hose to remove any potential blockages and debris, even if it is a new hose. Once clean, cap both ends of the replacement hose, and begin to fix it to the machinery. Once fitted (you will need to remove the cap you put in to the machinery first), replace the hose nuts and brackets. Repeat at the other end of the hose. Make sure that all the nuts and brackets are secured tightly so you don't have further problems with leaks.
Test The System
Don't twist the hose or allow it to rub against other machine parts as you are re-connecting it. You can now pressurize the system and check to make sure the leak is gone.
For more information or for professional help, contact a company such as Hydraulink.