VP DPH Steering Cylinder Connection leak - what to use?

[kennyh]

Hi all, I’ve replaced both steering cylinders / rams on my DPH drive, but I’m now getting a leak from the hydraulic hose connection to the cylinder - leaking between the threads on one of the rams (all other connections are good).

I’ve used Hydraulic Thread sealer but had no joy! However, it must be said that I didn’t get the threads completely clear of ATF fluid.

I’m now trying again with standard blue thread sealer to see if that works.

I took great care to ensure I didn’t cross thread the connection.

Any tips?? I was thinking of trying again (if I need to) with the stick based thread sealer which might stand up better to the installation.

But any tips welcome please (I hope / plan / pray to get relaunched tomorrow)!!

 

[penberth3]

Hi all, I’ve replaced both steering cylinders / rams on my DPH drive, but I’m now getting a leak from the hydraulic hose connection to the cylinder - leaking between the threads on one of the rams (all other connections are good).

I’ve used Hydraulic Thread sealer but had no joy! However, it must be said that I didn’t get the threads completely clear of ATF fluid.

I’m now trying again with standard blue thread sealer to see if that works.....

No photo, but assuming this is the standard hydraulic connection it's the conical bit inside that makes the seal. The threads don't do any sealing so you shouldn't use any "thread sealer".

Take it apart, clean it, inspect it carefully and take it from there.

 

[kennyh]

No photo, but assuming this is the standard hydraulic connection it's the conical bit inside that makes the seal. The threads don't do any sealing so you shouldn't use any "thread sealer".

Take it apart, clean it, inspect it carefully and take it from there.

I’d have thought so too being a flared connection. The original ram connection was good (no leak) and the connection flare looks good too.

The Flare nut bottom out and thus can’t be tightened any more; so you’d have thought it would be hydraulically sealed. Unfortunately not.

Perhaps the new steering ram female connection is bad; I hope not.

 

[kennyh]

No photo, but assuming this is the standard hydraulic connection it's the conical bit inside that makes the seal. The threads don't do any sealing so you shouldn't use any "thread sealer".

Take it apart, clean it, inspect it carefully and take it from there.

Ps. On re-reading your reply I get it now. Much appreciated and hopefully I’ll sort with a demount / clean / remount.

 

[penberth3]

I’d have thought so too being a flared connection. The original ram connection was good (no leak) and the connection flare looks good too.

The Flare nut bottom out and thus can’t be tightened any more; so you’d have thought it would be hydraulically sealed. Unfortunately not.

Perhaps the new steering ram female connection is bad; I hope not.

Definitely something to look at. These fittings should be standard and interchangeable, but nowadays so much is imported and dimensions and quality can vary.

Also check you do have a matching male and female cone in there.

 

[Seastoke]

Are the pipes solid , I think BruceK had your problem and he had to buy new pipes.

 

[penberth3]

Are the pipes solid , I think BruceK had your problem and he had to buy new pipes.

Without going back through the threads on this, I don't know. I'd guess pipes to a steering ram are flexi.

It's a good point anyway. Steel pipes can be accidentally or deliberately bent, then it can be hard to align the mating cones. I'd try further adjustment before I rushed to buy new ones!