Almost all slow hydraulic leaks originate from hydraulic lines, line fittings, loose hydraulic pump bolts, a worn hydraulic pump gasket or a worn-out seal inside of the pump. A slow hydraulic leak must be repaired completely to prevent the leak from getting worse. The hydraulic leak repair will depend on the location of the leak or the component that is leaking. Most slow leaks can be fixed by tightening loose bolts, using Teflon tape on line-fitting threads, replacing a hydraulic line or by adding Stop Leak to the hydraulic system.
Park the machine and leave the engine running. Set the parking brake, if applicable. Inspect the area where you see the slow leak. Mark the area with a piece of chalk.
Turn off the engine. If the leak is originating from around the hydraulic pump or a hydraulic component, tighten the bolts around the component with an open-end wrench. Replace the gasket if the leak is from the gasket that seats the hydraulic pump or the hydraulic component.
Loosen and remove any hydraulic lines that are leaking around the threads of the line fittings. Inspect the line fittings to ensure there is no damage such as cracks or breaks. Wrap Teflon tape clockwise around the threads of the line fitting. Add three to four layers of Teflon tape around the fitting and screw on the line fitting. Tighten the line fitting with a open-end wrench. Recheck the leak with the engine running. Ensure that all of the line fittings are tight.
Loosen and remove any hydraulic lines that are leaking due to damage to the lines. Replace the lines if there is significant damage such as cuts or breaks. If the leak is originating from around a hydraulic component, use hydraulic Stop Leak to stop the leak.
Add the hydraulic Stop Leak to the hydraulic fluid tank according to the manufacturer's instructions on the bottle. Crank the engine and allow the Stop Leak to circulate throughout the hydraulic system for about two minutes. Turn the engine off and check the leak.
