How To Spot Hydraulic Failure In Your Equipment And Repair Issues Before They Fail

31 January 2022
 Categories: , Blog

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As machines age, their components eventually fail. Hydraulic equipment is not immune from failure due to the failure of hydraulic components. This can be due to lack of maintenance, lack of lubrication, or too much use over time. Once you detect a problem, the solution involves replacing or repairing the component. The following information will teach you how to spot hydraulic failure in your equipment and what repair options are available once that failure has been identified.

How Hydraulic Equipment Works

The hydraulic system is just one of the many mechanical systems that make up machine tools. Hydraulic equipment is used to help with the movement of the machinery. Hydraulics help to lift, lower, roll and rotate parts and machine tools. The movement of these machines is vital for the work done in many different industries.

Signs of Hydraulic System Problems

Troubleshooting hydraulic systems can be challenging because the first signs of problems can be symptoms of other issues. Some of the most common signs that there is something wrong with your hydraulic system include:

  • Lack of pressure or unequal pressure in one part of the system or another.
  • A buildup of pressure in a part of the system can cause an explosion.
  • Smoke from the hydraulic pump or from a hydraulic hose.
  • The hydraulic pump will not turn on when it should or will not shut off.

These are just some of the signs of hydraulic system failures. You want to have a hydraulic repair professional inspect your equipment if you notice any of these signs of a problem. 

Hydraulic Repairs or Replacements 

There are several issues that can cause hydraulic failure in your equipment. Hydraulic fluid leaks, overheating, and seal failure are just some of the problems that you could have with your equipment. 

When you are dealing with hydraulic problems, you may need to repair or replace some parts. A hydraulic repair service can help determine what parts need to be repaired or replaced.

Preventing Future Hydraulic Component Issues From Occurring

To prevent future issues with hydraulic failures, it is important that all contaminated fluids are replaced with clean oil or grease. This will ensure that damages do not occur in any other area of the machine or system due to contaminants being introduced into the lines.

Another reason for hydraulic issues may be due to the over-pressurization of fluid lines. When pressurizing lines, it is always important to use proper equipment and maintain proper pressure within the system. Equipment used to pressurize lines should have an automatic shutoff when the pressure reaches maximum levels, so you do not cause further damage within the system by using improper equipment.

Even the most experienced hydraulic engineers can't always predict when hydraulic equipment will fail. Contact a hydraulic repair service to get the help you need dealing with these issues before failures lead to downtime.