How to Determine If Your Soosan Hydraulic Breaker Hammer Needs a New Seal Kit?

Soosan hydraulic breakers are known for their reliability and high performance in heavy-duty construction and demolition tasks. However, like all mechanical equipment, regular maintenance is essential to ensure that these breakers operate at their peak efficiency. One of the most crucial components of maintenance is the seal kit, which plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of the hydraulic system. If your Soosan hydraulic breaker hammer starts showing signs of wear, it may be time to replace the seal kit.

In this blog, we'll walk you through the key indicators that suggest it’s time to replace the seal kit in various Soosan models, such as the Soosan SB81, Soosan SB121, and Soosan SB151. Knowing when to replace the seal kit can help you avoid costly repairs and downtime.

1.  Decreased Impact Power and Performance
One of the most common signs that your Soosan hydraulic breaker hammer needs a new seal kit is a noticeable decrease in impact power.  Whether you're working with a Soosan SB81, SB121, or SB151, all of these models rely on tightly sealed hydraulic systems to deliver powerful blows.  If the breaker starts losing power or becomes inconsistent in its strikes, it may be a sign that the seals have worn out, leading to loss of pressure and efficiency.
1) Symptoms: Weak or inconsistent impacts, slower cycles, or reduced force while breaking.
2) Cause: Worn-out seals, especially in the piston and valve area, allow hydraulic fluid to bypass, reducing pressure and power.  This issue is common in older or heavily used excavator breakers like the SB81 or SB121.

2.  Hydraulic Fluid Leaks
Another obvious sign that your Soosan breaker needs a new seal kit is hydraulic fluid leakage.  The purpose of the seal kit is to prevent hydraulic fluid from leaking out of the system, and when the seals fail, leaks can occur.  Leaking fluid around the hydraulic hammer's housing, piston, or seals can lead to poor operation and eventually damage internal components.
1) Symptoms: Hydraulic fluid leaking from the hydraulic hammer body or from areas near the piston and valve.
2) Cause: The seals, such as O-rings or backup rings, degrade over time and lose their sealing ability, causing fluid to escape.  This is a typical issue for older models like the SB121 or the more recently used SB151.

3.  Overheating and High Operating Temperatures
If your Soosan hydraulic breaker starts to overheat, it could be a sign that the repair kit is failing.  When the seals become worn, the hydraulic fluid may not circulate properly, leading to a drop in system efficiency.  As a result, the breaker will work harder to perform, causing an increase in temperature.  Overheating can also accelerate wear on the internal components, leading to even more serious issues down the line.
1) Symptoms: High temperatures, hot to the touch, or an increase in the temperature gauge on the hydraulic system.
2) Cause: Worn seals cause inadequate hydraulic fluid distribution, which increases friction within the system, leading to overheating.  This is a problem commonly seen in SB81 and SB151 excavator breakers.

4. Erratic Operation or Inconsistent Performance
If your Soosan SB121 or SB81 excavator hammer starts to operate erratically, it could be because of a seal failure. A well-functioning hydraulic breaker should deliver consistent performance, but when the seals begin to wear out, the hydraulic system can lose its pressure, resulting in erratic or intermittent operation. You might notice the breaker hesitates before delivering a blow or has uneven strikes.
1) Symptoms: Hesitation before striking, inconsistent blow intensity, or irregular operation.
2) Cause: Damaged or worn seals in the hydraulic system cause pressure fluctuations, leading to uneven operation. This is particularly noticeable in older breakers or those that have been heavily used, such as the SB121 hydraulic breaker.

5. Unusual Noises and Pressure Spikes
Hydraulic breakers, such as the Soosan SB151, should operate smoothly with minimal noise. However, when the seals fail, the system may begin to make strange noises, such as hissing, whistling, or grinding. This often indicates that air is entering the system, or the hydraulic fluid isn't being contained properly. Additionally, you might experience sudden pressure spikes, where the excavator attachment hydraulic breaker's pressure gauge fluctuates unpredictably.
1) Symptoms: Unusual hissing or grinding sounds, irregular pressure gauge readings.
2) Cause: Worn-out seals can cause air to enter the hydraulic system or lead to fluid leakage, causing pressure imbalances and erratic operation. This is a common issue with both newer and older models, including the SB151 hydraulic hammer.

6. Frequent Breakdown or Component Wear
Frequent breakdowns or excessive wear on the piston, hammer, or cylinder could indicate that your Soosan hydraulic breaker needs a new seal kit. The seals are essential in keeping contaminants like dirt, water, and dust out of the system. When seals fail, these contaminants can enter the hydraulic system, causing accelerated wear and tear on vital components.
1) Symptoms: Frequent mechanical failures, visible damage to internal components, and short operational life for parts.
2) Cause: Seal failure allows external contaminants to enter the hydraulic system, leading to premature wear on the piston and hammer. This is an issue seen in models like the SB81 or SB121 after extended use.

Conclusion: Replacing Your Soosan Hydraulic Breaker Seal Kit
If your Soosan hydraulic breaker hammer, whether it's the SB81, SB121, or SB151, is showing any of these symptoms, it’s time to replace the seal kit. The seals are vital to maintaining hydraulic pressure, preventing fluid leaks, and ensuring smooth operation. Neglecting to replace the seal kit could lead to further damage and expensive repairs down the road.
To maintain optimal performance, always use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) seal kits when replacing them. These kits are specifically designed to fit your Soosan hydraulic breaker, ensuring long-lasting, reliable operation.
Regular inspection and maintenance are key to keeping your Soosan hydraulic breaker hammer running smoothly. If you're unsure whether it's time to replace your seal kit, consult with our professional or technician who can assess the condition of your equipment and provide expert advice.