How to Troubleshoot Hydraulic Cylinders
- 1). Poor rod alignment is one of the most common causes of hydraulic cylinder leakage and this can ultimately affect the life of the bearings and rod seals. Check hydraulic parts for signs of excessive fluid loss on a regular basis. If signs of leakage are apparent, carry out a visual check on the rod and pay particular attention for grinding marks or surface scratching. Add additional mountings to provide cylinder stability and remove scuff marks with coarse emery paper.
- 2). Rod seal leakage is often a simple matter of wear and tear. Drain hydraulic fluids back to the holding tank and remove the cylinder head using a hexagonal wrench. Remove the old rod seal and replace with a new part. Refit the cylinder head and return the hydraulic cylinder into service. Regular damage to rod seals may indicate burring on the rod itself. Remove these with a belt sander and smooth scratching marks with coarse emery paper.
- 3). Fluid contamination is one of the most common causes of hydraulic rod failure. Foreign particles with abrasive qualities will wear down the rod seal and cause leaks. Water contamination will cause seals and "O" rings to harden prematurely. Check system filters to ensure there are no obvious signs of particle build-up. Change oils or other fluids on a regular basis and ensure valves are serviced at frequent intervals to maintain hydraulic cylinder integrity.
- 4). Excessive use of a hydraulic cylinder can lead to high levels of heat being generated. This can make the system fluids very warm and inevitably leads to rod seals becoming brittle once they cool down. Swap existing rod seals for alternatives that are suitable for dealing with high temperatures. PTFE coated seals are capable of withstanding much higher temperatures than a standard rubber seal.
- 5). High operating pressure is another common cause of leaks. Regulate valve pressure and examine pipes and hoses for obvious obstructions. On new hydraulic machinery, high pressure may be the result of undersized hosing. Swap for an alternative with a larger diameter to reduce the pressure to a safe working level.
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