I ordered new hydraulic lines ~3 years ago from Convertible Service. It turns out the upper crimped t-fitting at the pump is leaking and I suspect the lower as well, I've not removed anything yet, the leak is obvious so no need to investigate more. New lines arrive Thursday. I may put compression fittings on this leaking set as a backup if my new ones on order fail like this in another few years. Anyone use compression fittings? Anyone have a similar leak issue?
In my history of working with hydraulics, the only re-usable fitting used a flexible (rubber, neoprene, Viton, etc.) seal and the sealing element was replaced if it had ANY deformation. Typically used METAL sealing elements are a one-time use item. Typically, one can not get the seal to get back into the exact same position. The ferrules are replaceable, however. Finding a CORRECT replacement ferrule, THAT may be a problem. The industry standard varies for the service life of the line itself, but INDUSTRIAL lines are for five to ten years. Automotive (Convertible top) lines are NOT used frequently at all.
