Securing hydraulic cylinder bushings (rod guide bushings or eyelet bushings) into the cylinder head or barrel is a highly demanding application. This bushing serves as the primary bearing surface and seal surface for the piston rod. The joint is subjected to massive axial thrust and side loading (from cylinder forces and misalignment), continuous pressure cycling, and constant exposure to hot hydraulic fluid. Maintaining a tight, zero-clearance press fit is vital to prevent bushing spin, fretting wear, and potential contamination ingress or fluid leakage.
INCURE WeldLock™ 365 Retaining Compound
For securing hydraulic cylinder bushings—where maximum shear strength, high-temperature resistance, and absolute zero movement are paramount—the WeldLock™ 365 provides the highest structural integrity. Its superior strength ensures the bushing cannot spin or walk out, preserving the critical seal surface integrity and rod guidance.
| Feature & Benefit | Technical Insight for Cylinder Bushings | Conversion Value |
| Highest Strength (365) | Cures to an extremely high-shear strength, rigid plastic, providing maximum resistance to axial thrust and side loading. | Zero Spin: Eliminates all micro-movement, preserving the seal life and preventing fretting wear between the bushing and the housing. |
| High Temperature Resistance | Withstands continuous operational temperatures up to 200∘C (392∘F), essential for systems operating under high pressure and friction heat. | End the Heat Threat: Guarantees the joint won’t fail or soften under maximum operational thermal load. |
| Fills Close Clearance Gaps | Ideal for components with an interference or true close-tolerance slip fit (less than 0.05 mm diametral clearance) typical of precision cylinder machining. | Maximizes Contact: Converts the press fit into a monolithic bond, optimizing load distribution and extending seal life. |
| Hydraulic Fluid Immunity | Inert to common hydraulic oils (mineral and synthetic), ensuring the integrity of the joint is protected within the fluid environment. | Reliability Assured: The bond remains permanently intact despite constant saturation with hot fluid. |
Application Steps: Locking Hydraulic Cylinder Bushings for Maximum Service Life
Preparation (Critical): Thoroughly clean both the bushing’s outer diameter (OD) and the bore in the cylinder head/barrel. Remove all oil, grease, and residue. Use a degreasing solvent (like acetone or industrial cleaner) and wipe until both metal surfaces are perfectly dry.
Application: Apply a continuous, liberal bead of WeldLock™ 365 evenly around the bushing’s outer diameter or the inside circumference of the cylinder bore. Ensure the compound completely covers the mating area.
Assembly: Press the bushing into the bore using the manufacturer’s specified tools. Ensure the component is fully seated. Wipe away any excess compound immediately.
Curing Time (Mandatory): Allow a full 24 hours for the compound to reach full cure strength before continuing cylinder assembly (installing seals/rod) or subjecting the cylinder to operational pressure.
Alternative Consideration (Worn Bores): If the cylinder bore is slightly worn and the clearance gap is larger (up to 0.25 mm), use INCURE WeldLock™ 356 (Metallic Grey). This compound is specifically formulated with fillers to tolerate larger diametrical clearances while still providing high structural integrity.
Stop risking bushing spin and premature seal failure, and ensure your hydraulic cylinder is absolutely rigid and reliable.