Help please, how to open this hydraulic cylinder?

[amron]

Hi all
The cylinder shown on the attached pics is a mystery for me. I want to dismantle it, which seemed simple enough at first glance, but it turned otherwise.
as you can see, there is what seems to be a "locking nut" with the two holes that led me to believe that a key with two pins will turn and drive the nut out but to my surprise, the "nut" is turning (not easily, but it is turning) but doesn't come out. I was expecting that after turning it a few turns, it would come up a bit out on its thread, but unfortunately, it's not the case. could you offer any advise/ clue what did I made wrong and how should it be done? one more thing - I've checked and wire brushed the circumference of the cylinder in order to make sure that there is no locking/securing screw or pin - there is none.

 

[BukitCase]

It does seem strange that there are spanner holes but it doesn't appear to be threaded - only suggestion I can offer, is maybe the gland is held in by an inside snap ring - I think I'd set it up in a press, jig it so the press can push just the gland back into the cylinder (not much, maybe less than 1/4"), then blow all the crap out of that joint with air and see if there's a retaining ring of some sort -

Beyond that, no clue... Steve

 

[dragoneggs]

A couple things... first it appears that the protruding internally threaded 'nipple' is not in line with the cylinder (bent?). Second, looks like there are flats on the nipple. Have you tried unscrewing this? I should add that I am not a hydraulic expert... just looking and commenting on the pics you provided. Good luck!

 

[TMGT]

It might be a wire retained gland, is there a small notch on the side of the barrel near the top of the gland? If so does it have what looks like a square piece of metal in it? If so when you turn the gland enough in the correct direction the wire should "roll" out of the barrel releasing the gland which should just pull out.

 

[amron]

It might be a wire retained gland, is there a small notch on the side of the barrel near the top of the gland? If so does it have what looks like a square piece of metal in it? If so when you turn the gland enough in the correct direction the wire should "roll" out of the barrel releasing the gland which should just pull out.

Hi people and thanks for your comments. I'm a little bit concerned to apply pressure on the gland because I think that it may cause some damage if it's not the right method. as per TMGT's suggestion - I've not noticed any notch or sign on the cylinders body. is it possible that the gland should be turned clockwise (direction of tightening) in order for the wire to pull out? because I've turned it counterclockwise while attempting to unscrew it. as per Dragoneggs's suggestion - the flats are made to accept a wrench when an eyebolt or another accessory is attached to the piston rod (at least that's what it seems to me).
Thanx again.

 

[TMGT]

If it's a wire gland it could turn either way, the rod won't have any bearing on the gland.
Can you take any more pictures showing the sides of the barrel?

 

[Rocky J]

Is it like the one in this video link Locking Pin Hydraulic Cylinder - YouTube

 

[pmsmechanic]

I would just carefully tap the top end of the cylinder back in with a hammer and punch. Pretty sure there is a snap ring in there. Pull the snap ring out and then take the cylinder apart.

 

[DLTTrekkers]

That sq wire must come out. I can see that the benttip is broken off. So tap it clockwise and pull it out. I ones had a wire that I had to brake off piece by piece to get it out .

 

[crazyal]

I would try turning it the opposite direction. if it's threaded it should only go so far before not turning. It could be a very fine thread so use a straight edge to find out how far it is unscrewed and then check after a few turns to see if there's even the slightest movement.

 

[DLTTrekkers]

There. Is no thread !

 

[davedj1]

Those two holes on the end aren't for a big spanner wrench?
My cylinder is weird, you actually have to push in on the end and then remove the big c clip or whatever you call it. Pretty simple once you figure it out. Worth a try maybe?

 

[MossRoad]

As others have asked.... You sure those two holes aren't for a spanner wrench?

 

[MossRoad]

Maybe this will help you?

How to Disassemble, Rebuild or Repair Hydraulic Cylinders and FAQS | AxleAddict

 

[TMGT]

As others have asked.... You sure those two holes aren't for a spanner wrench?

You still need to turn it for a wire gland, no threads.

I've never seen holes for a spanner on one that used a recessed retaining ring, but always a possibility.

 

[MossRoad]

Here's a link to another website that shows pictures of a similar cylinder. The discussion says you have to knock the gland INTO the cylinder about 1/8" to access a retainer. There is a good discussion and pictures. Hope it helps. Edjumacated me. :laughing:

Hydraulic cylinder disassembly

 

[amron]

Hi
The mystery is solved! never in my life I would've find it out. there is a wire that holds the gland. the access to the wire is from the front nipple. the nipple have to be removed and underneath it is the end of the wire. the gland has two grooves in it and two wires to secure it. amazing!
Thank you all for your good will. any ideas regarding how to reassemble it? one thing is for sure - I have to replace the wire with a new one.

 

[MossRoad]

Pictures! :laughing:

 

[TMGT]

I had a feeling it was a wire type, first I've seen one in the port though!

Post some pictures, normally the wire is pushed in and the gland rotated to draw it in the rest of the way, not sure if it's that way on this one.

 

[tcreeley]

It might be a wire retained gland, is there a small notch on the side of the barrel near the top of the gland? If so does it have what looks like a square piece of metal in it? If so when you turn the gland enough in the correct direction the wire should "roll" out of the barrel releasing the gland which should just pull out.

Mine is like the one described here. That square rod wire was some 5-6" in length- enough to wrap all the way around in its channel. When you assemble it you feed it in the hole notch in the side of the cylinder, bending it as you feed it. Taking it out is the reverse. You rotate the gland until you start feeding an end back out. Grab it with pliers and pull as you rotate the gland. Once out the cylinder comes out easily.