08/02/2021 Common hydraulic problems – symptoms and causes - Hydraproducts | Hydraulic Systems | Hydraulic Power Packs > Blog

Home Hydraulic Power Packs Hydraulic Power Units Hydraulic Pump Motor

Hydraulic Hand Pump Hydraulic Calculators Hydraulic Components Contact Us Blog

About Us Gallery Links

Hydraproducts Blog

Get in touch to talk to us today about your Call: (+44) 01452

requirements 523352

31 Common hydraulic problems –

Jul symptoms and causes
 SuperUser Account |  31 Jul, 2018 |  common
hydraulic problems, Hydraulic equipment, hydraulic systems |
 Useful stuff |  Return

This article focuses on the common problems associated with hydraulic systems
and how these issues can affect individual components as well as the systems
themselves. It gives an in-depth insight into how problems initially develop, any
knock on effects and how failures can happen if the issue isn’t diagnosed correctly.

Abnormally high fluid temperatures

High fluid temperatures are usually caused when the system struggles to correctly
dissipate heat and can lead to increased heat load. When fluid temperatures
exceed 180°F (82°C), this can lead to damage to the seals and in turn start to
degrade the fluid itself.

When viscosity levels drop below optimal values for the system components, the
fluid temperature is judged to be too high and the reservoir should be checked for
any obstructions or blockages.

The heat exchanger is another component that should be checked making sure
the core is not blocked. In order for the heat exchanger to successfully dissipate
heat, the flow rate of both the hydraulic fluid and cooling air/water should be at the
correct levels.

When fluid circulates to areas of differing pressures without correct pressure

correction, excess heat can be generated and any areas that show signs of
internal leakage can increase the heat load on the system. This includes anything
from a leaking cylinder to an incorrectly adjusted relief valve.

High fluid temperatures can also have an effect of components as they go through
a thinning process which affects the oil film, otherwise known as a low viscosity
which leads to inadequate lubrication. This issue can be tackled by setting up a
fluid temperature alarm to warn of dangerously high temperatures.

Poor operation

When a machine starts to show signs of reduced performance and functionality

this points to a problem with the hydraulic system. A loss of speed in the system is
usually caused by a poor flow rate and can be noted when the system takes longer
to cycle or is slow in its general operation.

Leakage is a common cause of slow operating speeds as flow can escape from
hydraulic circuits. This leakage can be either internal or external with typical
candidates being burst or degraded hoses or leakage from pumps, valves and
actuators.

https://www.hydraproducts.co.uk/Blog/common-hydraulic-problems-symptoms-and-causes 1/3
08/02/2021 Common hydraulic problems – symptoms and causes - Hydraproducts | Hydraulic Systems | Hydraulic Power Packs > Blog

A useful tool to measure leakages and pressure drops is an infrared thermometer

which can identify components with internal leakage. So going by the
manufacturers limits for correct temperatures, the thermometer can pinpoint
potential problems. Incorrect hydraulic oil out of manufacturer specification can
also lead to pressure changes and a decrease in system performance. A
successful infrared test will also pick this issue up.

System over-operation

Sometimes, under extreme operation, overworked machines start to overheat.

Using the correct oil viscosity will help to alleviate this issue from occurring in the
first place and avoid costly failures by lubricating the system effectively. It is also
important to let the system prime itself before use thus ensuring all important
components are lubricated correctly and to manufacturer standards.

Abnormal and irregular operative noise

Abnormal or irregular sounds while the system is operating are good warning signs
of a potential problem either currently occurring or about to occur.

There are two main candidates that attribute to this problem – aeration and
cavitation. Aeration is a condition where too much air enters the system and
contaminates the hydraulic fluid within. This commonly leads to a loud banging or
knocking noise from the system when it compresses and decompresses whilst the
fluid circulates through the system. Actuator movement can also become erratic
and the fluid degradation can eventually lead to damage to seals through
overheating.

Cavitation commonly occurs when a hydraulic circuit demands too high a level of
fluid than is being supplied at any given time. This in turn causes circuit pressure
to fall below the level of vapour in the hydraulic fluid. The knocking sound that
comes from this is caused as the vapour cavities implode during compression.

Both these issues can cause component or system damage with extreme cases of
cavitation being known to cause metal erosion and failure of system components.

Like 0 Tweet Share

Related

What Does the ATEX Control Valves in Hydrau

Reference Number Mean? Systems
SuperUser Account | 0 SuperUser Account | 0
Comments Comments

Although there has recently been a Introduction to Control Valves in

change to the political standing of the UK Hydraulic SystemsIn the world of
with regards to its me... industrial, mobile and aerospace ...

Read More > Read More >

Hydraulic Power Pack About Us. Connect with us

Micro power pack Hydraulic Pump Home Connect with us on
Standard power motor About Us social media or eBay
pack Hydraulic hand Contact Us
Hydraulic Systems pumps Blog by ben
Hydraulic Services Hydraulic Visit our German Site
Hydraulic components Website terms
Application Glossary Privacy Policy

https://www.hydraproducts.co.uk/Blog/common-hydraulic-problems-symptoms-and-causes 2/3
08/02/2021 Common hydraulic problems – symptoms and causes - Hydraproducts | Hydraulic Systems | Hydraulic Power Packs > Blog

https://www.hydraproducts.co.uk/Blog/common-hydraulic-problems-symptoms-and-causes 3/3