INNER PIPE LEFT

325 829 18 INNER PIPE LEFT is the core moving component inside one of your rig's feed or jacking cylinders. It's the part that actually extends and retracts, carrying the significant load of the drill string or supporting the machine during setup. This isn't just a simple tube; it's precisely machined to slide smoothly within the outer barrel, providing the necessary guidance and structural integrity for the entire assembly to function correctly. It takes a beating, constantly exposed to dirt and side forces.

When this inner leg starts to wear out, you'll usually notice a few things. First off, there might be some increased play or a slight wobble in the leg itself, especially when it's extended. If it's a feed leg, you might see inconsistent penetration rates or the drill head chattering more than it should. Sometimes, you'll even hear a distinct scraping or grinding sound as the worn surfaces rub together. What usually happens next is that the worn surface starts chewing up the seals, leading to premature hydraulic leaks and the leg drifting under load.

Look, when you're replacing one of these, don't just yank the old one out and shove the new one in. Always take the time to thoroughly clean and inspect the outer barrel for any scoring or damage; if that's rough, your new inner leg won't last long at all. And this is a big one: make sure you properly clean out all the old grease and debris from the outer tube and apply fresh lubricant to the guide surfaces. A lot of guys forget that, and it just grinds up the new part prematurely. Also, double-check all the wipers and seals on the outer tube before you put everything back together.