Aircraft Hydraulics Overhaul

Hydraulic systems troubleshooting varies according toreplacement of relief valves, actuators, and other
the complexity of the system and the components inunits, including tubing and hoses. Care should be
the system. It is, therefore, important that theexercised to prevent system contamination damage
technician refer to the troubleshooting informationto seals, packings, and other parts, and to apply
furnished by the manufacturer.proper torque in connecting fittings. When installing
(1) Relief valves repair... lack of pressure in a systemhydraulic fittings, valves, etc. always lubricate the
can be caused by a sheared pump shaft, defectivethreads with hydraulic fluid.
relief valves needing repair, regional aircraft controlOverhaul of hydraulic and pneumatic units is usually
valves, the pressure regulators, unloading valvesaccomplished in approved repair facilities; however,
stuck in the "kicked-out" position, lack of fluid in thereplacement of seals and packings may be done
system, the check valves installed backward, or anyfrom time to time by technicians in the field. When a
condition that permits free flow back to theunit is disassembled, all O-ring and Chevron seals
reservoirs or overboard. If a system operatesshould be removed and replaced with new seals. The
satisfactorily with a ground test unit but not with thenew seals must be of the same material as the
system pump, the hydraulic pumps should beoriginal and must carry the correct manufacturer's
examined.part number. No seal should be installed unless it is
(2) If a system fails to hold pressure in the pressurepositively identified as the correct part and the shelf
section, the likely cause is the pressure regulator, anlife has not expired.
unloading valve, leaking relief valves nedding repair, orWhen installing seals, care should be exercised to
a leaking check valve.ensure that the seal is not scratched, cut, or
(3) If the pump fails to keep pressure up duringotherwise damaged. When it is necessary to install a
operation of the subsystem, the pump may be wornseal over sharp edges, the edges must be covered
or one of the pressure-control units may be leaking.with shim stock, plastic sheet, or electrical tape.
(4) High pressure in a system may be caused by aThe replacement of hydraulic units and tubing usually
defective or improperly-adjusted pressure regulator,involves the spillage of some hydraulic fluid. Care
an unloading valve, or by an obstruction in a line orshould be taken to ensure that the spillage of fluid is
control unit.kept to a minimum by closing valves, if available, and
(5) Unusual noise in a hydraulic system, such asby plugging lines immediately after they are
banging and chattering, may be caused by air ordisconnected. All openings in hydraulic systems should
contamination in the system. Such noises can also bebe capped or plugged to prevent contamination of
caused by a faulty pressure regulator, anotherthe system.
pressure-control unit, or a lack of proper accumulatorThe importance of the proper torque applied to all
action.nuts and fittings in a system cannot be
Aviation component repair.over-emphasized. Too much torque will damage metal
Commuter aircraft hydraulics overhaul, maintenanceand seals, and too little torque will result in leaks and
of hydraulic system components, involves a numberloose parts. The proper torque wrenches with the
of standard practices together with specializedappropriate range should be used in assembling
procedures set forth by manufacturers such as thesystem units.