Hydraulic cylinders are integral parts of a variety of industrial applications, providing the necessary force to lift, push and control movements. However, like any mechanical system, hydraulic cylinders are susceptible to problems that can affect their performance. In this blog, we’ll review some common problems associated with hydraulic cylinders and provide troubleshooting tips so you can identify and effectively correct these issues.
Common problems with hydraulic cylinders
- Oil Leaks
- Symptoms: Visible hydraulic oil leaks around the cylinder or on the piston rod.
- Solution tips
- Inspect hydraulic hoses and connections for any damage or looseness.
- Check seals and sealing rings for wear; replace if necessary.
- Inspect the cylinder for any signs of damage or corrosion.
- Slow or uneven movements
- Symptoms: Hydraulic cylinder moves slowly or movement is uneven.
- Solution tips
- Check the hydraulic oil level; top it off if necessary.
- Inspect the pump for wear or malfunctions.
- Check the control valve for blockages or damage.
- Overheating
- Symptoms: the hydraulic system overheats excessively during operatio
- Solution tips
- Check hydraulic oil for possible contamination or improper viscosity; replace if necessary.
- Inspect the cooling system for any congestion or malfunctions.
- Check the duty cycle of the system; make sure you are not operating the system beyond its capacity
- Derivation of the cylinder
- Symptoms: cylinder moves involuntarily when it should be stationary.
- Solution tips
- Check for air in the hydraulic system; if so, bleed it out.
- Inspect the control valve for internal leaks.
- Check the cylinder piston rod seals for wear; replace them if necessary.
- Extreme noise
- Symptoms: Unusual noises, such as knocking or banging, during cylinder operation.
- Solution tips
- Check the hydraulic oil for contamination or air bubbles.
- Check for loose or damaged components such as brackets or handles.
- Check system alignment to ensure proper assembly.
Troubleshooting tips
- Start with a visual inspection
- Inspect the entire hydraulic system for visible signs of damage, leaks or loose connections.
- Check oil levels and quality
- Check hydraulic oil levels and examine for any contamination. Replace the oil if it looks dirty or degraded.
- Look for air in the system
- Look for air in the hydraulic system and vent it, as it can cause problems such as cylinder derivation.
- Check seals and sealing rings
- Gaskets and sealing rings are key to preventing leaks. Replace any that show signs of wear or damage.
- Check control valves and pumps
- Inspect control valves and pumps for proper operation. Look for blockages, wear or malfunctions.
- Consult experts
- If you are finding it difficult to solve the problem yourself, contact us and we will be happy to provide you with an expert consultation and a free solution proposal.