Swivel Joints Repairs
In need of swivel joint repair? Fill out the form and one of our team will be in touch with you to organise getting your swivel joints repaired as soon as possible. Can’t wait? If its an emergency you can give us a call on:
Experience with over 20+ brands
Repair & Refurbishment of Centre Swivel Joints
Centre swivel joints can function for years even in the most testing of conditions, but inevitably they can reach the end of their working life. With the help of CJ Plant, we can repair and refurbish your swivel joint so that it doesn’t need to be replaced or discarded.
We have helped hundreds of customers avoid having to purchase a replacement centre swivel joint unit, which in most cases is the most cost-effective solution. If you need speedy swivel joint and refurbishment work, get in touch with our team.
We provide quality fast turnaround for your swivel joints, centre swivels and centre joints to minimise disruption to your operations. We understand the importance of providing a reliable and speedy service to our clients to help you avoid the unnecessary expense of complete replacement and downtime.
Ready to work with the industry's leading team?
Fast Diagnosis & Turnaround
- Free strip and inspection
- Identifying if the unit needs a basic reseal, or if there is any corrosion/damage to the housing or shaft
- Seal replacement – replacing with a genuine seal kit, or for obsolete units we can have these matched locally
- If the housing or shaft is damaged or corroded, we have the facilities to have this reclaimed with Hard Chrome Plating (if the damaged area is ground out and hard chrome plated, it is then reground to finish size)
- Thoroughly clean the unit to remove dirt and debris
- Install new seals to ensure they are properly seated
- Reassemble the unit, ensuring all parts are properly aligned and tightened
All our work comes with a 12-month warranty
What Our Clients Say
Swivel Joint FAQs
The swivel joint (also known as a rotary coupling or rotary union) allows the excavator’s upper structure to rotate freely while ensuring the continuous flow of hydraulic fluid to the lower components, like travel motors and attachments.
The swivel joint connects the hydraulic circuits of the upper and lower parts of the excavator, allowing the hydraulic fluid to flow freely even when the upper structure rotates.
Without a properly functioning swivel joint, the excavator would be unable to rotate, and the hydraulic fluid flow to the travel motors and other components would be disrupted, potentially causing malfunctions or damage.
If the travel motors on your excavator seem to be weak or unpredictable, then you might have a problem with a leaking swivel joint (Leaks can be internal or external). A swivel joint that leaks can keep your travel motors from getting the pressured hydraulic flow they need to function correctly. You probably won’t know you have an internal leak in the swivel joint until you notice a loss of power in the travel motor(s). It can sometimes be difficult to diagnosing a swivel joint problem.
One way to determine if the problem lies in the travel motor or the swivel joint is to check the case drain flow out of the travel motor. To do this you need to disconnect the case drain line and cap it. Capping it keeps hydraulic fluid from leaking out and prevents contaminants from getting into your hydraulic system. Next, run the travel motor, stalling it out so your tracks don’t move. Monitor the flow from the case drain line.
If your motor is in good shape, then you should see only a small amount of case drain flow. If you see a lot of flow, then you’ve probably got a final drive problem rather than a swivel joint problem. Check your machines manual to determine what the correct range is for case drain flow.
If a swivel joint needs repairing, look out for the following signs:
- Hydraulic Fluid Leaks: Puddles near the joint or visible drips during rotation.
- Reduced Hydraulic Pressure: Decreased responsiveness or power in attachments.
- Unusual Noises: Grinding or squealing sounds during rotation.
- Difficulty Rotating: Resistance or jerky movements when turning the upper structure.
- Excessive Wear: Visible cracks, rust, or deformation on the joint.
Yes, hydraulic swivel joints can often be repaired and refurbished, rather than requiring complete replacement, offering a cost-effective solution. Common issues with swivel joints include:
- Hydraulic leaks: Hydraulic fluid powers and lubricates the hydraulic system, and leaks can occur after many working hours. A leak can be external at the connections or external seals. Internal leaks can also occur from damaged seals on the channels. Either type of leak can cause these parts to experience more wear, friction and loss of power.
- Degraded parts: The components of the excavator swivel may degrade over time, even if they’re well-lubricated. The minimal friction results in wear on the parts.
- Broken bearings and seals
With the help of our experts, you can get a speedy swivel joint repair or refurbishment while minimising disruption to your operations.
It’s recommended to choose a qualified technician to carry out swivel joint repairs, ideally those from a specialist hydraulic repair company like CJ Plant. This ensures the process is completed to a high standard, with the right testing equipment to ensure it’s safe for use. Contact our team to organise your swivel joint repair.
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