5 Signs Your Hydraulic Hose Needs Immediate Replacement
Don't wait for a blowout on the job site. Learn to spot the subtle warning signs—from weeping fittings to wire reinforcement exposure—that indicate your hose is about to fail. Hydraulic hose failure is the number one cause of downtime for heavy equipment.
Key Takeaways
- Inspect hoses daily for abrasion and wire exposure
- Blisters on the outer cover indicate inner tube failure
- Weeping fittings are an early warning sign of seal degradation
- Heat and sunlight accelerate hose aging
- Replace twisted or kinked hoses immediately
The 5 Warning Signs
- Visible Wire Reinforcement - Abrasion has worn through the outer cover
- Blisters or Bubbles - Oil trapped under the cover indicates failure
- Weeping Fittings - Oil at crimp collars means seal failure
- Cracked Outer Sheath - UV and heat damage causes brittleness
- Kinks or Twisted Routing - Improper installation reduces lifespan by 90%