Hydraulic pins are part of a high-pressure system in machinery used to transfer lubricating and cooling fluids through the system. On occasion, an ill-maintained engine or machine will show signs of rust and corrosion. In the case of a cylinder pin, this means that the hitch clips might be rusted into their securing holes and around the edges of the pin. If this happens, there are a few tricks you can use to loosening the clips and freeing the pin.
Brush excess rust and corrosion from the pin and hitch clips, focusing on the latter. Attempt to get as close the bare metal as possible.
Saturate the pin and clips with rust-dissolving solution. Allow a few minutes to an hour for the chemical to work.
Wipe excess rust-dissolving fluid from the pin and clips. Saturate the pin and clips with silicone spray to displace any further moisture that cause the parts to stick together.
Lightly tap the contact point between the hitch clips and hydraulic pin to attempt to loosen them and dislodge further corrosion.
Allow the silicone spray to act for a few minutes. Attempt to remove the hitch clips with the needle-nose pliers.
Tap the end of the pin with the center punch and ball-peen hammer to loosen it. Continue to tap it free from its housing sleeve, pulling it out eventually with the needle-nose pliers.
