Identifying Early Signs of Hydraulic Pump Failure: A Proactive Maintenance Guide

Manufacturers build hydraulic pumps to last. If you perform the recommended preventative maintenance, they usually do. However, they must stand up to intense internal pressure, which eventually causes fatigue and failure.

No one wants a sudden hydraulic pump failure to get in the way of production. To avoid this, you can look for five strong indicators that the pump needs cleaning, replacement parts, or repair now:

• Unusual sounds
• Interior or exterior leaks
• Failing seals
• High temperatures
• Slow performance

Unusual Sounds

As with a vehicle, over time parts wear down, eventually leading to a break down. In addition, seals deteriorate, which eventually leads to leaks and mechanical failures.

Hydraulic pumps function quietly when they are working correctly. When parts and seals began to fall apart, the hydraulic pump may start to make strange noises. Pay attention to banging or knocking sounds. These indicate air in the system or cavitation, which likely results from insufficient pressure.

Insufficient pressure can cause severe damage, similar to an overheated car. The problem needs immediate correction. It can often be solved by finding the point where air is entering the system and taking steps to repair that section.

Interior and Exterior Leaks

Exterior leaks are easy to spot so long as you periodically inspect the pump, looking for leaks or oil on the unit. But many hydraulic leaks take place on the machine’s inside, with no signs of the problem visible on the exterior. Instead, decreased performance and sudden drops in pressure provide the signs of an interior leak. In many instances, tightening or replacing a valve or seal may correct the problem. If left alone, the leaks will eventually lead to a systemic failure.

Failing Seals

Seals that repeatedly leak or fail may indicate the pump is operating with a bent or misaligned rod. If the problem is caught early, it is often possible to repair the existing equipment. This is the most cost-effective solution. If the problem continues too long, new parts may be required.

High Temperatures

A hydraulic pump will begin to run at a higher temperature when it needs repair. Hydraulic pumps must dissipate heat properly or they will break down. When the dissipation process is interrupted, it can cause damage to internal parts, similar to an overheated engine.

When dirt and debris are caught up in the system, they prevent heat dissipation. The hydraulic fluid temperature climbs higher and higher, causing damage to the seals and the fluid. When the temperature climbs higher than 180°F, it is certainly time for maintenance. Check the heat exchanger for any airflow obstructions and have the unit serviced by Servo Kinetics as soon as possible.

Slow Performance

Another sure sign of a failing hydraulic pump is sluggishness, which will increase over time. Watch for both slower operation and longer cycles. The worsening efficiency indicates a lack of flow. The system needs to be repaired as soon as possible. As with a furnace, as efficiency decreases, performance drops and parts can be damaged.

The Servo Kinetics Guarantee

Servo Kinetics offers first class hydraulic pump repair. Customers send their malfunctioning pumps to our Michigan facility, where each pump is thoroughly examined through our inspection process. Our technicians perform detailed cleaning and inspection, then rebuild the pump with precision machined parts. Once rebuilt, the pump is put through rigorous testing, which ensures that it can hold up under tough operational conditions. OEM efficiency must be met or exceeded, and the pumps must pass detailed quality checks.

The Servo Kinetics guarantee includes:

• Rebuild with precision machined parts held to OEM specifications
• A minimum 6-hour performance test
• A three-year warranty

Servo Kinetics services pumps from most manufacturers, including Vickers, Parker, Moog, Bosch, Rexroth, Beach Russ, and Yuken.

Hydraulic pumps are an essential part of many industrial operations. Thankfully, they are built to last for many years. However, it’s easy to just assume they will continue humming away indefinitely, but in reality, as they age, they will need cleaning, new parts, and repairs.

Servo Kinetics repairs most brands and also makes its own highly rated industrial hydraulic pump. If your pump is showing signs of deterioration, contact Servo Kinetics as soon as possible. We are here to help!