What attention should be paid to hydraulic retardant maintenance?

How many steps does it take to maintain a hydrodynamic retarder? Step 1, drain out the old fluid retarder and remove the cartridge; Step 2, replace the cartridge and fluid retarder with a new one; Step 3, just reseal it! 

In order to better utilize the performance and advantages of any truck parts, maintenance is inevitable. Good or bad maintenance directly affects the quality of use, and further affects our attendance and revenue.

The hydro retarder is no exception. Before we get to the maintenance of the hydraulic retarder, let's talk about one point to keep in mind when using a hydraulic retarder: that is to maintain an engine speed of 1200 RPM or more. Why is it important to maintain a relatively high RPM?

Because high RPM can make antifreeze circulate better. Engine RPM is directly proportional to water pump RPM, and the higher the engine RPM the faster the fan dissipates heat. This allows for good cooling of the retarder. 

Okay, back to maintenance. Because there is no direct friction contact between the parts when the hydrodynamic retarder moves internally, there is no direct wear and tear, and maintenance is very simple. We only need to change the hydrodynamic retarder oil and filter to it regularly. (Can not only replace the hydraulic retarder oil, hydraulic retarder oil filter should also be replaced.)

Different brands of hydraulic retarder oil change mileage may vary somewhat, you need to change the oil according to the actual situation.

Replace the oil, preferably with a special 10W-40 hydrodynamic retarder lubricant, usually with 6-7 liters (Voith specifies 6.4 liters).

Finally, be careful when washing the vehicle, do not use a high-pressure water gun to directly rinse the retarder cartridge gland and other parts, so as not to make the dirty water seeped into the retarder, resulting in retarder failure.

If used properly, the hydrodynamic retarder will have a very low failure rate, and maintenance is very simple, you just need to pay attention to oil change intervals and make sure there are no leaks.