Given time, everything breaks down. Hydraulic systems are no exception, and the wear and tear that big machines deal with can eventually lead to some type of failure. Some are more common than others, and if you are aware of them and their indicators, you can prepare for the worst and be proactive about service.
So, what are the most common failures found in hydraulic pumps and motors?
Common failures can range from human causes to faulty temperatures and contaminants. The wrong type of fluid can mistakenly be used causes a system failure. If one part of this system is off, the whole machine suffers.
Some causes are natural, like weathering, heat and cold fluctuations, and the like. But some are man-made or are accidental. Some can be prevented, but others you might not see coming.
So, What are the Causes of Hydraulic System Failures?
• Contaminants. Water, air, and fluid contamination are very common causes of hydraulic system failure. When water and air get in the line where they shouldn’t be, the system will not function properly.
• Fluid quality and filtration. If the filter is compromised or not maintained properly and the quality of the fluid is degraded, then system failure is just a matter of time. The hydraulic fluid is at the heart of the hydraulic system, so when it is contaminated, the whole operation is at risk.
• Temperature fluctuations. Extremes in hot or cold temperatures in the hydraulic system over time are another common cause of failure. Either extreme can lead to leaks, a rise in pressure, or a break in the line. Fluctuations can be caused by nature, especially on the cold end, or by poor heat management.
• Human Hands. Yes, people make mistakes that lead to system failure. It may be the wrong type of filter, fluid, part, or setting that causes harm. Incorrect installation, however unintentional, leads to the hydraulics not working properly.
• Broken or Misfitted Parts. Another common cause of system failure is some part of the line breaking. It can be a fitting that comes loose, a hose or pump that breaks, or a part that was not compatible causing a leak. If regular maintenance is not followed, these types of situations can be very damaging.
So, What are the Indicators?
Sound is a major indicator that something is wrong in the hydraulic system. You can tell that the system is not working right if you hear something high-pitched, grinding, or otherwise incorrect. Temperature and pressure are also factors that indicate system failure when they are erratic. The cleanliness of water and fluid indicates how well the system is working, and if they are dirty and cloudy, something is amiss.
Common Hydraulic Repair Questions
So, What are Some Tips for Handling Failures?
You need to find out what is causing the failure first, so inspect every part of the system to discover the source. Check the pumps, filters, fluids, hoses, valves, and seals to discover where the culprit is. Then you can fix the problem and adjust it accordingly to get the system up and running again.
So, What are Quick Fixes?
Replace broken pieces, top off or replace fluids, and confirm that you are using the correct parts. Using clean fluids can correct contamination, checking that the right parts are installed properly reduces human error, and inspecting all valves, pumps, and other parts of the system takes care of mechanical failures. Also, adjust temperatures and pressures back to normal settings.
Wrap up
The main causes of hydraulic system failure have to do with contamination, fluids, temperatures and pressure, mechanical parts, and human mistakes. When a system doesn’t function or sound right, a close inspection of each part of the line can uncover where the fault is.
Time to Service your Hydraulic Equipment?
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