6 Most Common Causes of Hydraulic System Failure

Blog | July 7th, 2021

Many machines today utilise hydraulic systems due to the way they function. These systems maximise a fluid to convert and generate energy before powering the machines.

The fluid on these systems is initially pushed by the hydraulic pump into other hydraulic system components. Once it has reached the hydraulic cylinder, the hydraulic energy from the fluid is subsequently converted into mechanical energy. This new form of energy makes it possible to power up machines and other components associated with them. The valve, at this point, can assist in directing the flow of the fluid as well as relieve pressure whenever necessary.

Hydraulic systems can be truly complex. And even with just one faulty component, these systems can easily experience issues along the way and affect the overall operations of the machines. Some of the most common causes of hydraulic system failure that you may encounter are as follows:

Contamination in the Fluid

The fluid can be considered as the core of the hydraulic system since it provides the energy needed by machines. Since this fluid passes through various system components, its content must be free from contaminants to avoid causing damages. If this specific fluid, however, has been contaminated with unnecessary solid, liquid, or gaseous elements, then the system is expected to fail gradually.

Presence of Air Bubbles

The introduction of air in the hydraulic fluid typically causes air bubbles to appear. As these air bubbles are compressed due to the pressure from the pump, they would consequently cause an implosion, increasing the overall temperature of the hydraulic system.

Aeration in Hydraulic Pump

Aeration may not only occur in fluid, but it can also affect the hydraulic pump. This presence of air inside the hydraulic pump may occur whenever the air in the fluid is sucked into this part due to faulty inlet joints or shaft seals. If the hydraulic pump has some trapped air, then you may eventually hear some loud and high pitch noise during the system operations. You can likewise confirm the presence of aeration if your hydraulic fluid has become cloudy in appearance.

Extremely High Temperature

Temperature can certainly be either a good thing or a bad thing for hydraulic systems. While most hydraulic systems can perform effectively under hot environments, making them operate at an extremely high temperature for a long time can easily damage their components. The damages may even expand as heat-related issues can be difficult to detect, not until the machine has finally failed to run.

Exceeding Pressure Limits

Hydraulic systems are often rated to operate at a certain pressure level to ensure that a wide array of applications can be accommodated. So, if your hydraulic system continuously works at a pressure level that exceeds its limit, then its pump may become over-pressurised, damaging other internal system components and decreasing the service life of the whole system.

Abnormal Fast Operations

Other possible causes of hydraulic system failure would be the restriction on the intake line or the presence of an abnormally viscous fluid. These issues occur whenever the hydraulic pump operates very quickly, resulting in cavitation and damages to the system. If you need some help with hydraulic pumps, feel free to contact us at Mobile Hydraulic Specialties.

Mobile Hydraulic Specialties Pty Ltd

Factory 89, 38-40 Popes Road
Keysborough, Victoria, 3173

Phone: (03) 9798-6511

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Mobile Hydraulic Specialties Pty Ltd

Phone: (03) 9798-6511
Address: Factory 89, 38-40 Popes Road, Keysborough, Victoria, 3173