How to Install a Seal on a Hydraulic Cylinder

How to Install a Seal on a Hydraulic Cylinder
Written By
Michael Signal
Michael Signal
Published: Jan 19, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

The piston moves back and forth in the barrel of the cylinder, so the seal must hold even while the piston is actuating. You'll have to completely disassemble your cylinder to install a new seal.

Preparation

  1. Bring the parts to a clean work area suitable for doing hydraulic maintenance.

  2. Clean and dry the parts that will be sealed, then inspect them for scratches or cuts that could damage seals and cause leaks.

  3. Smooth any rough parts with an emery cloth.

Installation

  1. Clean all the seals so that they are free from any foreign matter.

  2. Slide O-ring seals over the components you are sealing. A component that takes an O-ring seal will have a groove that seats the O-ring, cut into that component

  3. Install any backup rings needed behind O-ring seals. Pressure should toward the O-ring seal first, then the backup ring.

  4. Slide most piston seals on like an O-ring seal, But you may have to use special techniques to install some piston seals. For instance, some seals are so rigid they need to be soaked in hot water to make them pliable enough to install. These seals may also have to shrunk with a special tool before being installed.

Michael Signal

Michael Signal began writing professionally in 2010, with his work appearing on eHow. He has expert knowledge in aviation, computer hardware and software, elementary education and interpersonal communication. He has been an aircraft…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.