Hydraulic Spool Valve Levers Sticking

[JBASport]

I have an old access platform and 2 of the Spool levers are stiff and won't return to the neutral position like the others. Is there a way of freeing then without having to drain the hydraulic fluid? Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[jd6820]

I have an old access platform and 2 of the Spool levers are stiff and won't return to the neutral position like the others. Is there a way of freeing then without having to drain the hydraulic fluid? Any help would be much appreciated.

Slacken end caps off and see if they are full of water or oil that could be causing resistance. Also you should find a centralising spring that brings the valve back to neutral, check its condition.

 

[JBASport]

Slacken end caps off and see if they are full of water or oil that could be causing resistance. Also you should find a centralising spring that brings the valve back to neutral, check its condition.

Thanks. Will fluid leak out if I take off the end caps?

 

[GazCro]

Thanks. Will fluid leak out if I take off the end caps?

It shouldn't

 

[jd6820]

Thanks. Will fluid leak out if I take off the end caps?

No hopefully not or you've found your issue.

 

[V8Druid]

could try eyeballing the pivots under the rubber boots and see if they're free enough/seized ??

 

[DaveDCB]

could try eyeballing the pivots under the rubber boots and see if they're free enough/seized ??

Yeah give any linkages abit of lube! My telehandler had gone tight after been parked up for 8 months. Some ACF50 in the right places and it was good as new again

 

[Mick-the-fitter]

Thanks. Will fluid leak out if I take off the end caps?

A little but more important to clean out the water and rust off the springs and spool end cap!

 

[V8Druid]

A little but more important to clean out the water and rust off the springs and spool end cap!

'specially when the temp.s get below zero

 

[JBASport]

Thanks for your help.

 

[JBASport]

Just a follow up. I have taken the caps off the end and as you suggested, water ingress was the issue. I took the 2 offending levers off, cleaned them and greased them and all is working well now. Thanks again for your help. This is a great forum with so many willing and helpful people like yourselves.

 

[Left hooker]

could try eyeballing the pivots under the rubber boots and see if they're free enough/seized ??

This ...
get some wd40 under rubber boot and keep working till free then a drop of engine oil under there to lube them up