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Hydraulic Pump Maintenance

This tutorial provides a detailed guide on how to perform basic maintenance on your pumps, covering different types of pumps like the 4500, 3500, and K base pumps. It includes steps for cleaning, lubricating, and addressing common issues such as squeaky noises or malfunctions. Proper maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity of your pump system.

 

1. General Cleaning of Chrome and Painted Pumps

  • Cleaning Chrome Pumps:
    For pumps with a chrome body (like the 4500), use a general-purpose cleaner to wipe down the chrome surface. For a deeper clean, you can use a paste-type chrome polish (such as an old-fashioned bumper polish) and apply it like you would for a car.
    Tip: If you want to wax it, remove the rubber band from the bottom of the pump before applying the wax to prevent residue from getting on it.

  • Cleaning Painted Pumps:
    For painted cylinders like the 3500, use a general-purpose cleaner. While the painted surface won't polish like chrome, you can use chrome polish on the aluminum parts, like the five-star base.

2. Addressing Seat Casting Issues (Older Models)

  • Creaking Noise Fix:
    For older models with aluminum seat castings, a common issue is creaking sounds when people get in and out of the chair. To fix this:
    • Remove the chair from the pump.
    • Clean both the inside of the seat casting and the base of the pump.
    • Apply a thin coat of Vaseline to both parts to eliminate the creaking sound.

3. Lubricating the Pump

  • Lubricant Recommendation:
    Use a general-purpose 3-in-1 oil for lubrication. Avoid WD-40 or any other solvents like "Clip the Roll" since they can damage the components.

  • How to Apply the Lubricant:

    • Remove the screw and pin from the cap of the pump to access the internal parts.
    • Inside, the main lubrication point is the “yoke,” which is responsible for pushing the plunger down when raising the chair.
    • Apply a small amount of grease to the yoke and any other moving parts inside the pump.

4. Fixing Squeaky Noises

  • Identifying Squeaky Noises:
    If your pump starts to squeak when moving the chair up or down, it may need lubrication in the yoke area.
    • Simply slide the cap back and apply a little grease where the fork or cam meets the yoke to stop the noise.

5. Lubrication for 3500 Pump

  • Applying Oil:
    For the 3500 pump (which has a painted cylinder), apply three drops of 3-in-1 oil directly into the top of the pump.
    • Pump the chair up, and as you let it down, rotate the chair slightly. This will ensure that the oil reaches the top bushing where noise often originates.

6. Maintenance for K Base Pumps

  • Applying Oil to K Base Pumps:
    The K base has a slightly different setup, but maintenance is similar.
    • Apply 3-in-1 oil to the top of the pump where the yoke and brake assembly meet. This should reduce noise during operation.
    • If noise persists when turning or lowering the chair, continue applying oil until the sound disappears.

7. Polishing Chrome Base Pumps

  • Polishing Chrome:
    For chrome base pumps (like the 4500), use a chrome polish to clean and shine the surface. Remove the black rubber ring before polishing to avoid residue from getting stuck.

8. Troubleshooting and Additional Tips

  • Noise Issues:
    If you hear noises during operation, it's likely due to insufficient lubrication or dirt buildup. Follow the lubrication steps mentioned above to address the issue.
    If you encounter more complex issues, refer to the troubleshooting video for your specific pump model (e.g., K base brake assembly or pump cylinder replacement).


By following these basic maintenance steps, your pumps will remain in optimal working condition, and common issues like squeaky noises or poor performance can be easily addressed. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for extending the life of your equipment.