Lecture 32

MAINTENANCE OF FLUID POWER SYSTEMS

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this chapter, the student should be able to:

List the most common causes of hydraulic system breakdown.
Explain the importance of cleanliness of hydraulic systems.
Explain the problems caused by air in hydraulic systems.
List the causes and remedy for excessive noise, incorrect flow, pressure and faulty operations.
Describe the various general safety rules for electricity and electronics.
List possible faults in solenoid valves.
Explain the method for maintaining and disposing of fluids.

1.1 Introduction

The working medium in hydraulic systems is a fluid. Till the early 20th century, water was used as a
fluid. Water as a working fluid had many drawbacks, such as low freezing point, corrosive (rust
formation) nature and poor lubrication characteristics. Gradually, various oil-based fluids that had the
desirable properties were developed for use in hydraulic systems.
In a hydraulic system, a hydraulic fluid has to perform various functions, such as follows:
 To transmit power, which is the primary function?
 To lubricate various moving parts, so as to avoid metal-to-metal contact, and reduce wear and
noise.
 To carry the heat generated in the system due to friction between moving parts and moving fluid,
and to dissipate to the environment either through a suitable heat exchanger or through the
reservoir.

To perform these functions and make the system work efficiently, a hydraulic fluid must be clean and
should possess certain properties.A hydraulic system is fairly easy to maintain: the fluid provides a
lubricant and protects against overload. But like any other mechanism, it must be operated properly. You
can damage a hydraulic system by too much speed, too much heat, too much pressure or too much
contamination.

The following is a list of most common causes of hydraulic system breakdown:

 Clogged or dirty oil filters.
 Inadequate supply of oil in the reservoir.
 Leaking seals.
 Loose inlet lines that cause the pump to take in air.
 Incorrect type of oil.
 Excessive oil temperature.
 Excessive oil pressure.

Most of these and similar kinds of problems can be eliminated if a plant-preventive maintenance
program is undertaken. This starts with the fluid power designer in the selection of high-quality,
properly sized components. It is important for the total system to provide easy access to components
requiring periodic inspection such as filters, strainers, sight gauges, drain and fill plugs, flow meters, and
pressure and temperature gauges.

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Over half of all hydraulic system problems have been traced directly to the oil. The test kit may be used
on the spot to determine whether fluid quality permits continued use. Test that can be performed include
the determination of viscosity, water content and particulate contamination level. Viscosity is measured
using a visage viscosity comparator. Water content is determined by the hot-plate method. Contamination
is eliminated by filtering a measured amount of hydraulic fluid, examining the particles caught on
the filters under microscope and comparing what is seen with the series of photos indicating
contamination levels.

For preventive maintenance techniques to be truly effective, it is necessary to have a good report and
record system. This report should include the following:

 The types of symptoms encountered, how they were detected and the date.
 The description of the maintenance performed. This should include the
replacement of parts, the amount of downtime and the date.
 Records of dates when oil was tested added or changed. Dates of filter changes
should also be recorded.

Proper maintenance reduces hydraulic troubles. By caring for the system using a regular
maintenance program, we can eliminate common problems and anticipate special ones.

1.2 The Importance of Cleanliness

Cleanliness is the first requirement when it comes to servicing hydraulic systems. Keep dirt and
other contaminants out of the system. Small particles can score valves, seize pumps, clog orifices
and cause expensive repair jobs.
How to keep the hydraulic system clean? Let us put it this way:

 Keep the oil clean.

 Keep the system clean.
 Keep your work area clean.
 Be careful when you change or add oil.

1.3 Importance of Oil and Filter Changes

We cannot get peak performance out of a hydraulic system that is not clean. Despite all
the precautions taken when working with the hydraulic system, some contaminants get into the
system anyway. Good hydraulic oils hold these contaminants in suspension and filters collect
them as the oil passes through. Good hydraulic oil contains many additives that work to keep
contaminants from damaging or plugging the system. However, these additives lose their
effectiveness after a period of time. Therefore, oil should be changed at the recommended
intervals to make sure that the additives do their job. The system filters can absorb only a
limited amount of dirt particles and other contaminants from the oil. After that the filters stop
working. At this point, the filters should be cleaned or replaced with new ones so that the cleaning
process can be maintained.

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1.3.1 Draining the System

Periodic draining of the entire hydraulic system is very important. This is the only positive way to
completely remove contaminants, oxidized fluid and other substances from the system. The machine
operator’s manual tells the method to be used, and the frequency, depending on conditions.

1.3.2 Cleaning and Flushing the System

In some hydraulic systems, there might be deposits left in the system. It is advisable to clean and
flush the system after draining the oil out. After draining the system, clean any sediment from the
reservoir and clean or replace the filter elements. Flush out the old oil remaining in the system after
draining, particularly if the oil is badly contaminated. Drain out the flushing oil and refill the system
with clean hydraulic oil of the recommended type. Be sure to clean or replace the system filters
before refilling the system.

1.3.3 Filling the System

Before filling the system, be sure the area around the filler cap is clean. Fill the reservoir to the
specified level with the recommended hydraulic oil. Use only clean oil and funnels or containers, and
then be sure to replace the filler cap before operating the equipment.

1.3.4 Preventing Leaks

There are internal and external leakages. Internal leakage does not result in actual loss of oil but it
does reduce the efficiency of the system. External leakage does result in direct loss of oil and can
have other undesirable effects as well. A hydraulic system should always be monitored for leaks and
remedial actions should be taken immediately.

1.3.5 Preventing Overheating

Heat causes hydraulic oil to breakdown faster and lose its effectiveness. This is why cooling of the oil
is needed. In many systems, enough heat is dissipated through the lines, the components and the
reservoir to keep the oil fairly cool. But on high-pressure, high-speed circuits, oil coolers are needed to
dissipate the extra heat.

To help prevent overheating, keep the oil at the proper level; clean dirt and mud from lines, reservoirs
and coolers; check for dented and kinks lines; and keep relief valves adjusted properly. Also be
careful to not over speed or overload the system and never hold the control valve in power position
longer than necessary.

1.4 Problems Caused By Gases in Hydraulic Fluids

Gases can be present in a hydraulic fluid (or any other fluid) in three ways: free air, entrained gas and
dissolved air.

1.4.1 Free Air

Air can exist in a free pocket located at some high point of a hydraulic system (such as the highest
elevation of a given pipeline). This free air either existed in the system when it was initially filled or
was formed due to air bubbles in the hydraulic fluid rising into the free pocket. Free air can cause the
hydraulic fluid to possess a much lower stiffness (bulk modulus), resulting in a spongy and unstable
operation of hydraulic actuators.

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1.4.2 Entrained Gas

Entrained gas (gas bubbles within the hydraulic fluid) is created in two ways. Air bubbles can be
created when the flowing hydraulic fluid sweeps air out of a free pocket and carries it along the fluid
stream. Entrained gas can also be created when the pressure drops below the vapor pressure of the
hydraulic fluid. When this happens, the bubbles of hydraulic fluid are created within the fluid stream.
Entrained gas can cause cavitation problems in pumps and valves. These gases can greatly reduce the
effective bulk modulus of hydraulic fluids, resulting in spongy and unstable operation of hydraulic
actuators.

Vapor pressure is defined as the pressure at which a liquid starts to boil and thus begins changing into a
vapor. The vapor pressure of a hydraulic fluid (or any other liquid) increases with an increase in
temperature. Petroleum-based and fire-resistant phosphate ester fluids have very low vapor pressures.
Cavitation occurs because the vapor bubbles collapse as they are exposed to the high pressure at the
outlet port of the pump, creating extremely high local fluid velocities. This high -velocity fluid
impacts internal metal surfaces of the pump. The resulting high impact forces cause flaking or pit ting the
surfaces of internal components such as gears, vanes, etc. Cavitation also interferes with the
lubrication of mating moving surfaces and thus produces increased wear.

One indication of cavitation is a loud noise emanating from the pump. The rapid collapsing of gas bubbles
produces vibrations of pump components, which are transmitted into pump noise. Cavitation also causes a
decrease in the pump flow rate because the pumping chambers do not completely fill with the hydraulic
fluid. As a result, the system pressure becomes erratic.

1.4.3 Dissolved Air

Dissolved air is in the solution and thus cannot be seen and does not add to the volume of the
hydraulic fluid. Hydraulic fluids can hold an amazingly large amount of air in the solution. A
hydraulic fluid, as received at atmospheric pressure, typically contains about 6% of dissolved air by
volume that increases to 10% when pumped.

Dissolved air creates no problem in hydraulic systems as long as the air remains dissolved. However,
if the dissolved air comes out of the solution, it forms bubbles in the hydraulic fluid and thus becomes
entrained air.

The following will help control or eliminate pump cavitation by keeping the suction pressure above the
vapor pressure of the fluid:

 Keep suction velocities below 1.5 m/s.

 Keep pump inlet lines as short as possible.
 Minimize the number of fittings in the pump inlet line.
 Mount the pump as close as possible to the reservoir.
 Use low-pressure drop-pump inlet filters or strainers.
 Use a properly designed reservoir that can remove entrained air from the fluid
before it enters the pump inlet line.
 Use proper oil as recommended by the manufacturer.
 Keep the oil from exceeding the recommended maximum temperature level.

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1.5 Troubleshooting Guides

The following troubleshooting guides are arranged in five main categories. The heading of each is a
symptom that indicates some malfunction in the system. The causes and remedies are given in Tables
1.1–1.5.

1.5.1 Fluid Maintenance

Fluid maintenance can be done in the following ways:
 Before opening a drum, clean the top and the bung
 Use only clean containers and hoses to transfer the hydraulic fluid.
 Provide a 200-mesh screen in the reservoir filter pipe.
 Store drums indoor or under a roof.

1.5.2 In-Operation Care of Hydraulic Fluid

This can be done in the following ways:
 Keep the system tight and repair all leaks immediately.
 Use proper air and fluid filtration.
 Establish fluid change intervals.
 Keep the reservoir filled properly to take the advantage of its heat-dissipating characteristics
and prevent moisture from condensing on inside walls.

Table 1.1 Excessive noise

Symptom Cause Remedy
Pump noisy Cavitation Any or all of the following:
Replace dirty filters.
Wash strainers.
Clean the clogged inlet line.
Clean the reservoir breather vent.
Change the system fluid.
Change to proper pump drive motor speed.
Overhaul or replace the pump.
Check fluid temperature.

Air in fluid Any or all of the following:

Tighten leaky inlet connections.
Fill the reservoir to proper level.
Bleed air from the system.
Replace the pump shaft seal.

Coupling All of the following:

misaligned Align unit.
Check the condition of seals, bearings and couplings.
Pump worn or Overhaul or replace defective parts
damaged
Motor noisy Coupling All of the following:
misaligned Align unit.
Check the condition of seals, bearings and couplings.

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 Motor or Overhaul or replace defective parts
coupling worn
or
Relief valve Setting too Install and adjust pressure gauge
noisy damaged
low or too
close toheat
Table 1.2 Excessive
Symptom another Causevalve Remedy
Pump heated setting
Fluid heated See symptom “fluid heated”
Cavitation Any or all of the following:
Replace dirty filters.
Wash strainers.
Clean the clogged inlet line.
Clean the reservoir breather vent.
Change the system fluid.
Change to proper pump drive motor speed.
Overhaul or replace the pump.
Check fluid temperature.

Air in fluid Any or all of the following:

Tighten leaky inlet connections.
Fill the reservoir to proper level.
Bleed air from the system.
Replace the pump shaft seal.

Excessive load All of the following:

Align unit.
Check the condition of seals, bearings and
couplings.
Locate and correct mechanical binding.
Check for workload in excess of circuit
design.

Pump worn or Overhaul or replace defective parts

damaged
Relief or unloading Install and adjust pressure gauge
valve set
Motor heated too high
Fluid heated See symptom “fluid heated”
Relief or unloading Install and adjust pressure gauge
valve set
too high loading
Excessive All of the following:
Align unit.

Locate and correct mechanical binding.

seals, bearings and couplings.
Check for workload in excess of circuit
design.
Motor or coupling Overhaul or replace defective parts
worn or
Relief valve damaged
Fluid heated See symptom “fluid heated”
heated Valve setting Install and adjust pressure gauge
incorrect
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 Worn or damaged Overhaul or replace defective
valve parts
Fluid heated System pressure too Install and adjust pressure gauge
high
Unloading valve set Install and adjust pressure gauge
too high
Fluid dirty or low Change filters.
supply Check system fluid
viscosity, change if
necessary.
Fill the reservoir to proper level.
Incorrect fluid Change filters.
viscosity Check system fluid
viscosity, change if
necessary.
Fill the reservoir to proper level.

Faulty fluid cooling Clean the cooler and/or

system strainer.
Replace the cooler control valve.
Repair or replace the cooler.

Worn pump, valve, Overhaul or replace defective

motor, parts
cylinder or other
component
Table 1.3 Incorrect flow
Symptom Cause Remedy
No flow Pump not receiving fluid Any or all of the following:
Replace dirty filters.
Clean the clogged inlet line.
Clean the reservoir breather vent.
Change the system fluid.
Overhaul or replace the pump.

Pump drive motor not operating Overhaul

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 Pump to drive coupling sheared
Replace and align coupling.
Pump drive motor turning in the
wrong
direction control set in the wrong
Directional
direction
Check for the damaged pump
Reverse rotation
Any or all of the following:
Check the position of manually
operated controls.
Check the electrical circuit on
solenoid- operated controls.
Repair or replace pilot pressure
pump.

Entire flow passing over the relief Adjust part

valve
Damaged pump Check for the damaged pump
Replace and align coupling.
Incorrectly assembled pump Overhaul or replace part
Excessive flow Flow control set too high Adjust part
Yoke actuating device inoperative Overhaul or replace part
(variable
displacement
Rotation pumps)(RPM) of pump
per minute Replace with correct unit
drive
incorrect size pump used for
Improper Replace with correct unit
replacement
Low flow Flow control set too low Adjust part
Relief or unloading valve set too low Adjust part
Flow bypassing through the partially Overhaul or replace part or any
open or all of the following:
valve Check the position of manually
operated controls
Check the electrical circuit on
solenoid- operated controls.
Repair or replace the pilot
pressure pump.

External leak in the system Bleed air from the system.

Yoke actuating device inoperative Overhaul or replace part

(variable displacement pump)
RPM of pump drive motor incorrect Replace with correct unit

Worn pump, valve motor, cylinder Overhaul or replace part

or other

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Table 1.4 Incorrect pressure

Symptom Cause Remedy

No pressure No flop See “incorrect flow”, symptom
“no flow”
Low pressure Pressure relief path exists See “incorrect flow,” symptom
“no flow” and “low flow”
Pressure-reducing valve set too low Adjust part
Pressure-reducing valve damaged Overhaul or replace part
Damaged pump, motor or cylinder Overhaul or replace part
Erratic pressure Air in fluid Tighten leaky
connections.
Fill the reservoir to
proper level.
Bleed air from the
system.
Worn relief valve Overhaul or replace part
Contamination in fluid Replace dirty filters and system
fluid
Accumulator defective or had lost charge Check the gas valve for
leakage.
Change to correct
pressure.
Overhaul if defective.
Worn pump, motor or cylinder Overhaul or replace part
Excessive Pressure-reducing, relief or unloading valve Adjust part
pressure misadjusted
Yoke actuating device inoperative (variable Overhaul or replace part
displacement pumps)
Pressure-reducing, relief or unloading valve Overhaul or replace part
worn or damaged

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Table 1.5 Faulty operation
Symptom Cause
No movement No flow or pressure
Limit or sequence device
inoperative or misadjusted
Mechanical bind
No command signal to the servo
amplifier
Inoperative or misadjusted
servo amplifier
Inoperative servo valve
Worn or damaged cylinder or
motor
Slow movement Low flow
Fluid viscosity to high
Insufficient control pressure for
valves
No lubrication of machine ways
or linkage
Misadjusted or malfunctioning
servo amplifier
Sticking servo valve
Worn or damaged cylinder or
motor
Erratic movement Erratic pressure
Air in fluid
No lubrication of machine ways
or linkage
Erratic command signal
Misadjustment of
malfunctioning servo amplifier
Malfunctioning feedback
transducer
Sticking servo valve
Worn or damaged cylinder or
motor
Excessive speed or movement Excessive flow
Feedback transducer
Remedy
See “incorrect flow”
Overhaul or replace part
Locate bind and repair
Repair command console or
interconnecting wires
Adjust, repair or replace part
Overhaul or replace part
Overhaul or replace part
See “incorrect flow”
Check fluid
temperature.
Check system fluid
viscosity, change if
necessary.
See “incorrect pressure”
Lubricate
Adjust, repair or replace part
Clean and adjust or
replace part.
Check the condition of
system fluid and filters.
Overhaul or replace part
See “incorrect pressure”
See “excessive noise”
Lubricate
Repair command console or
interconnecting wires
Adjust, repair or replace part
Overhaul or replace part
Clean and adjust or
replace part.
Check the condition of
system fluid and filters.
Overhaul or replace part
See “incorrect flow”
Overhaul or replace part

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1.6 General Safety Rules for Electricity and Electronics

Following are the general safety rules for electricity and electronics:

 Use approved tools, equipment and protective devices.

 Avoid wearing rings, bracelets and similar meal items when working around
exposed electric circuits.
 Never assume that a circuit is OFF. Double check it with an instrument that is
supposed to be surely operational.
 Some situations require a “buddy system” to guarantee that power would not be turned ON
 Never tamper with or try to override safety devices such as interlock (a type of
switch that automatically removes power when a door is opened or a panel
removes).
 Keep tools and test equipment clean and in good working condition. Replace
insulated probes and leads at the first sign of deterioration.
 Some devices, such as capacitors, can store a lethal charge. They may store this
charge for long periods of time. It must be certain that these devices are
discharged before working around them.
 Do not remove grounds and do not use adapters that defeat the equipment ground.
 Use protective clothing and safety glasses when handling high vacuum
devices such as picture tubes and cathode ray tubes.
 Do not work on equipment before knowing proper procedures and having
awareness of any potential safety hazards.

1.6.1 Solenoid Valves

Pneumatics will continue to dominate the power section and retain its positions in the control section. On
the other hand, it is impossible to deny the advances made by electronic controls, systems and
components due to the following advantages:

 Low power consumption.

 Short switching times.
 Higher contact ratings.
 Long service life.
 Maintenance-free operation.

1.6.1.1 Possible Faults in Solenoid Valves

Following are the possible faults:

 Directed short (at power supply, electrical bus and load): A direct short is when too much
current is sent back to the power supply overloading it, generally blowing a fuse.
 Cross short: A cross short is created by one or more wires (cables) bypassing the load causing a
direct short to occur.
 High resistance connections (too many connections at the terminal eye).
 Low voltage or over voltage at the solenoid.
 Corrosion.
 Partially or fully blocked hoses.

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  Wire connections are open internally
 Lack of source pressure (at the compressor or on the service unit).
 Sticking spool.
 Diaphragm not working.
 Exhaust ports blocked.
 Gaskets mounted incorrectly.
 Faults caused by wear or external influences.
 Caution: Short circuiting of the power supply is not recommended without the installation of a
“circuit breaker” to protect the equipment and the user.

Causes and remedy for troubleshooting for direct shorts and faults in relay coil is given in Tables 1.6
and 1.7.

Table 1.6 Troubleshooting for direct shorts

Fault Cause
When the push button is Relay coil K1 has been shorted
pressed, solenoid Y1 is not directly to the ground bypassing
activated and the circuit breaker the load (relay coil K 1)
must be reset. Solenoid Y1 has been shorted
directly to ground bypassing the
load (solenoid coil). This causes
the relay coil to buzz (noise like
a bee) and the circuit breaker
must be reset.
When proximity limit switch a1 Relay coil K2 has been shorted
and pressure switch a2 are directly to ground, bypassing
activated, solenoid Y3 is not the load (relay load).
activated and the circuit breaker Solenoid Y3 has been shorted
must be reset. directly to ground, bypassing
the load (solenoid). The circuit
breaker must be reset.
Remedy
Pull the ground cable connected
to solenoid Y1, retry the circuit.
If the power supply continues to
short, the location of the direct
short is at relay coil K1. If not,
the direct short is at solenoid
Y1.
Pull the ground cable connected
to solenoid Y3. Retry the
circuit. If power supply
continues to short, the location
of the direct short is at relay coil
K2. If not, the direct short is at
solenoid Y3.

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 Table 1.7 Faults in relay coils
Fault
When powered, the relay coil
does not function.
Relay coil is not energized by
electrical limit switch (or
proximity limit switch).
Cause
One or more of the wires (leads)
have an infinite resistance.
Open (infinite resistance) in the
coil.
Low voltage: Below
specification.
The electrical limit switch is not
being activated.
One of the cables (wires) is
either not connected or there is
infinite resistance in the cable
(wire).
The relay coil itself is
malfunctioning, that is, low
voltage, an open (infinite
resistance) circuit, loose
connection, high-resistance
connection.
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Remedy
Use the voltmeter to check the
potential difference across each
cable and the push button when
switch is open, then closed. If
the problem is with any of these
components
Visually examine the electrical
limit switch to make sure that
the roller is fully activated. If
not, reposition the sensor so that
physical contact is achieved (or
see LED).
Use the voltmeter to test the
difference in potential across
the limit switch (24 V when
open, 0 V when closed); replace
if not functioning or remove the
limit switch from the circuit and
use the ohmmeter to measure
the resistance of the limit switch
(infinite pressure when open,
approximately 0 when closed).
Use the multimeter to check the
difference in potential across
each cable (wire) in the
corresponding ring. Then
remove the suspect cable(s) and
use the ohmmeter to confirm
your findings, replace the cables
if required.
If the voltmeter identifies low
voltage, then check the power
supply and original source.
Replace or modify the source as
required.
If an “open” infinite resistance,
loose or high connection is
suspected, use the ohmmeter to
determine the exact location of
the problem and repair/replace
as required.
1.7 Maintaining and Disposing of Fluids
Controlling pollution and conserving natural resources are important goals to achieve for the benefit of
society. Thus, it is important to minimize the generation of waste hydraulic fluids and to dispose them
in an environmentally friendly manner. The following are some recommendations that should be
adhered to strictly for properly maintaining and disposing hydraulic fluids:

 Select the optimum fluid for the application involved. This includes the consideration of the
system operating pressures and temperatures as well as the desired fluid properties.

 Utilize a well-designed filtration system to reduce contamination and increase the useful life
of the fluid. Filtration should be continued and filters should be changed at regular intervals.

 3. Follow a proper storage procedure for the unused fluid supply. For example, outdoor
storage is not recommended, especially if the fluid is stored in drums as it is affected by
increment weather and resulting weakening of drum seams may occur and cause
leakage and contamination.

 Fluids from the storage containers to the hydraulic systems should be transported carefully as
the chances of contamination depend to a large extent on handling. The transfer containers
should be covered when not in use.

 Operating fluids should be checked regularly for viscosity, acidity, bulk modulus, specific
gravity, water content, additive levels and particle contamination.

 The entire hydraulic system, including pumps, piping, filters, actuators and reservoir, should
be maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

 Corrective action should be taken to reduce or eliminate leakage from operating hydraulic
systems. Typically leakage occurs due to worn seals or loose fittings. A preventive
maintenance program should be implemented to ensure ideal operating conditions and reduce
contamination, leakage, etc.

 Fluids must be disposed properly because a hydraulic fluid is considered to be a waste

material when it has deteriorated to the point where it is no longer suitable for use in
hydraulic systems. The various environmental government agencies also suggest against
mixing hazardous wastes with waste hydraulic fluids being disposed. It is also not allowed to
burn these waste fluids in non-industrial boilers.

 Pollution control and conservation of natural resources are critical environmental issues for
society. Properly maintaining and disposing of fluids not only protects the environment but
also conserves our natural resources.

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Objective-Type Questions
Fill in the Blanks

1. The primary function of a hydraulic fluid is to transmit .

2. Over half of all hydraulic system problems have been traced directly to the .
3. Entrained gas can also occur when the pressure drops below the of the hydraulic fluid.
4. Cavitation occurs because the vapor bubbles collapse as they are exposed to the
pressure at the outlet port of the pump, creating extremely high local fluid velocities.
5. Oxidation is caused by the chemical reaction of oxygen from the air with particles of .

State True or False

1. Dissolved air creates no problem in hydraulic systems as long as the air remains dissolved.
2. Most of fire-resistant fluids are compatible with most natural or synthetic rubber seals.
3. The neutralization number is a measure of the relative acidity.
4. A 10 µm filter is one capable of removing contaminants as small as 10 µm in size.
5. Free air can cause the hydraulic fluid to possess a much lower stiffness.

Review Questions

1. Name five reasons for the overheating of the fluid in a hydraulic system.
2. Name four causes of low or erratic pressure.
3. What three devices are commonly used in the troubleshooting of hydraulic circuits?
4. Name five of the most common causes of hydraulic system breakdown.

5.List eight recommendations that should be followed for properly maintaining

and disposing hydraulic fluid.
6.Name two items that should be included in reports dealing with a maintenance procedure.

7. Name the three ways in which a hydraulic fluid becomes contaminated.

8. Name five things that can cause a noisy pump.
9.Name four causes of low or erratic pressure.
10.Name four causes of no pressure.
11.If an actuator fails to move, name five possible causes.
12.If an actuator has slow or erratic motion, name five possible causes.
13. Why is loss of pressure in a hydraulic system not a symptom of pump malfunction?

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Answers
Fill in the Blanks

1. Power
2. Oil
3. Vapor pressure
4. High
5. Oil

State True or False

1. True
2. False
3. True
4. True
5. True

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