Hydraulic Cylinder Troubleshooting

Hydraulic cylinders have a wide variety of uses in heavy engineering vehicles. Hydraulic cylinders use pressurized hydraulic fluid such as oil to move or control a mechanized system. When there is even a small problem with a hydraulic cylinder, the safety of the user and those around are put into jeopardy.

Excessive Noise

• If there is excessive amount of noise, or noise that is unusual during regular operation coming from the hydraulic cylinder, immediately turn off the device. If the pump is noisy, make sure to clean out the inlet line and replace any dirty filters. Check that all the hydraulic fluids are at the correct level and change any fluid that is worn out. If the machine has not been running very long the fluid may be cold inside it. Let the machine warm up. If the noise is still present check to see if the motor is noisy. Tighten any connections that may be leaking and bleed air from the system. Air within the system can cause loud knocking noises.

Excessive Heat

• If there is excessive heat coming from the hydraulic system, replace all of the dirty filters and clean the reservoir for the breather vent on the machine. Check that all the seals and bearing on the machine are free of wear and damage. Check the pressure of the hydraulic against the recommended safety pressure. Pressure problems can be caused by system fluid that is worn out or of the wrong viscosity.

Worn Rod

• If the rods of your cylinder are worn on one side only or are worn on opposite sides near the full extension mark, there is likely a problem with the way the rod was manufactured. Slight imperfections in the rod may cause the rod to wear out in spots. Do check the fluid that lubricates the rod, however, as contaminated fluid can cause the rod to wear out prematurely. Water in mineral oil systems may cause the fluid inside to harden. Air in the oil can also cause damage to rods.