Your car's spool valve requires a spool valve filter. This is because the valve is a crucial part of your hydraulic system, particularly the part that's responsible for hydraulic fluid flow.
The filter removes blocks fluids that aren't hydraulic fluid as well as contaminants that could block or corrode the spool valve. At the same time, it also serves as the seal for the valve system as well. Once the filter is damaged or worn, it will start leaking.
However, filters are supposed to have limited life spans and thusly should be replaced ASAP once they begin failing. Any part of your car that acts as a seal will have to deal with leakages.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Avoid Temporary Fixes: You can temporarily fix your failing spool valve filter by flushing it out with your car formula that's available from your local grocery. However, this fluid is for spool valve filter maintenance not repair. You can avail of kits that include the size 10 wrench but if you're an avid fan of DIY repair, you should already have such tools. After the seal is damaged, engine oil will overflow into your valve.
- The Function of the Filter: You're supposed to look for a filter that is the best when it comes to assisting your spool valve with its main function of redirecting fluid by filtering out other car fluids, like oil or coolant. Once your filter nears the end of its life, it will result in consequences like an oil leakage due to overflow. Your filter is a necessary part of your valve spool because it also assists in the rotation or in-and-out sliding of the unit to open and block the channels in your hydraulic system.
- A Filter for the Rotary Spool Valve: What's the type of spool valve do you have? Is it a rotary spool valve? This type of valve requires a specific filter made for it. This valve is characterized by its fixed tubular sleeve body and its rotating cross-shaped piece that's also known as its core. If you've ever seen a rotating door in action, then that's how this valve works as well in the context of hydraulic fluid distribution. The core serves as the portal for the flow of fluid while the filter should be the right size for non-hydraulic-fluid filtration.
- Getting a Sliding Spool Valve Filter: You also need a specific filter for your sliding spool valve. This type of spool valve differs from the rotary spool valve in terms of complexity. The sliding valve has more grooves instead of a cross-shaped body. It slides in and out of position within its sleeve to allow the water in. It opens and closes alternately to control fluid flow into the intake and outtake portals. The specific filter for it is differently shaped and designed to account for its narrow and more complicated fluid distribution method.