Tips to Clean a Hydraulic Filter

27 October 2010- Hydraulic filters are usually fixed to the entire system and it is self-contained. But in case a removable filter is attached, it is necessary to follow certain steps to clean the filter. The directions as given in the manual by the manufacturer should be followed to accessing the filter canister and removing the filter. Once the hydraulic filter is removed, it can be cleaned and re-used. Depending on the application area, the cleaning of hydraulic filters needs to be done once, twice or sometimes regularly. For machines that are used in commercial work or in dusty, dirty areas, cleaning hydraulic filters two three times per year will help functioning of the system properly.

Things Required

• Rubber gloves
• A standard solvent tank cleaning system
• Few liters of hydraulic fluid
• An old toothbrush
• A bucket

Steps to Clean

• Place the hydraulic filter in the solvent tank. For the entire cleaning process, rubber gloves should be used. The filter should be placed gently in the tank.
• The next step is to start the solvent pump. Usually you will find the switch on the side of the tank. The solvent should flow through the nozzle.
• Now start the process of cleaning. Place the filter beneath the solvent. Thoroughly rinse it off. Use an old toothbrush to rub off debris and dirt while rinsing. Since the solvent would dissolve the polluted oil blocking the filter, it should be allowed to run freely over whole of the filter.
• Once the cleaning is done, switch off the solvent feed. The filter should be shaken properly to remove excess solvent.
• Pour few liters of hydraulic fluid into bucket. Do not splash it.
• Put your cleaned filter inside the bucket. Now move the filter around in the hydraulic fluid for about 5-10 minutes. This process will help to neutralize any solvent left over from the cleaning process.
• Now follow the instructions to reinsert the filter in the system. The used hydraulic fluid in the bucket can be recycled at gas or service stations.