Hydraulic pumps convert mechanical energy into fluid flow, which powers hydraulic systems. Hydraulic systems are critical for everything from vehicles to industrial machinery to heavy-duty construction equipment.
So, what are the signs your hydraulic pump is failing?
Some of the most common signs of hydraulic pump failure are overheating, unusual noises, leaks, and slow or unreliable performance.
No matter what you’re using your hydraulic system for, it’s important to know the signs that your pump is struggling. A simple check of these signs might be all that’s needed to prevent an expensive or dangerous pump failure later on.
Hydraulic Pump is Overheating
One of the most serious signs of future pump failure is overheating. If heat exchanges and vents are obstructed or overwhelmed with airborne debris, it can reduce the pump’s ability to adequately dissipate heat. At temperatures of 180° F or higher, hydraulic fluid begins to lose viscosity, reducing its lifespan. Overheated fluid lowers the pump’s operating efficiency and puts additional strain on seals, valves and other parts.
Hydraulic fluid is also susceptible to contamination from external debris, chemicals or particles that have separated from the internal components like metal shavings or chips.
These particles will also increase heat by thinning the hydraulic fluid, clogging valves and fluid pathways and degrading the pump’s components. Another cause of excess heat is over-pressurization, which overworks the hydraulic fluid and increases friction and wear on the system.
Hydraulic Pump Is Making Unusual Noises
Hydraulic pumps should be expected to produce some noise as a result of normal operation. However, new or unfamiliar noises like banging or a high-pitch whine are cause for concern. The most common cause for unusual sounds is contamination of the hydraulic fluid through aeration or cavitation.
Fluid becomes aerated when air enters the system from outside through leaks in the seals and other components. Cavitation occurs when irregular pressure or speed causes pockets of air to form naturally in the fluid.
As the aerated hydraulic fluid is put under pressure in the pumping process, these air bubbles destabilize the regular cycling of fluid, creating loud bangs or a high-pitched whine.
Hydraulic Pump Is Leaking
Leaks are a clear sign of problems with a hydraulic pump. Pump leaks are divided into internal and external leaks. External leaks are easier to find and may take the form of pools or puddles of hydraulic fluid underneath the machine, or a spray of fluid from a pressurized line. External leaks are usually caused by component issues like a hole or tear in a hose or pipe, loose connections, or damaged valves.
Internal leaks are harder to diagnose and are usually identified through secondary problems like low pressure, increased fluid demand, or slow performance. Internal leaks are tracked by closely monitoring fluid levels in different areas of the system or testing the pump with a trained technician. Internal failures are usually caused by the degradation of valves and other parts over time.
Hydraulic Pump Is Running Slow
Slow or unreliable performance is an obvious sign that something is wrong with a hydraulic pump. Slow operation is symptomatic of a variety of other problems like overheating, contaminated fluid, or issues with pressurization. Another possible cause is that the pump’s components have simply degraded through regular use and are due to be changed. Problems with heat, fluid or pressurization will all put more stress on aging internal components and decrease the pump’s efficiency further.
Summary
With a little practice it’s easy to identify the common signs a hydraulic pump is starting to fail. Over time, common hydraulic pump problems will compound on one another to worsen overall performance, which makes early identification and repair important. However, even the best-maintained hydraulic pumps begin to show signs of wear and damage eventually. Many experts recommend a service check after every 10,000 hours of operation.
Servo Kinetics in Ann Arbor provides reliability centered maintenance checks to best serve your hydraulic pump and motor function. Our team of professionals and engineers are here to help address your industrial hydraulic repair needs in a timely manner with high quality work and at a low cost.
Our services include a large span of hydraulic pumps and motors as well as reverse engineering services and new pumps and motors. Every unit you send goes through a rigorous quality process that is trusted and used throughout the industry. Call us and experience the difference with a rapid response, fast turnaround, and ongoing cost savings.