By Roger Wareham
In many service and utility truck applications, hydraulic systems are used to run a crane, fluid pumps, and hydraulically driven tools. When properly maintained, hydraulic systems offer great performance and reliability. If they aren’t maintained, repairs can be costly.
Learn how to troubleshoot common maintenance and repair issues you may encounter in hydraulics systems.
MEASURE PERFORMANCE
The important measures of hydraulic power are flow, measured as gallons per minute (gpm), and pressure, measured as pounds per square inch (psi). Consider this calculation regarding powering your hydraulic system:
Hydraulic Horsepower
hp = gpm x psi x .0007
- gpm = gallons per minute
- psi = pounds per square inch
- hp = horsepower
- .0007 = conversion constant
Comparing systems with the same power, a system with high pressure will be low flow and a system with low pressure will be higher flow.
FINDING PROBLEMS
Noise, elevated temperatures, and slow or erratic operation are all signs of problems with your hydraulics system. The most common causes of poor hydraulic performance are particulate contamination, water contamination, clogged filters, high fluid temperature, and incorrect hydraulic fluids.
REMOVE WATER
Water contamination can be problematic in hydraulic systems. Hydraulic fluid that has a milky appearance is an indicator of water contamination. Water in hydraulic fluid can reduce hydraulic fluid lubricity, cause pitting against metal surfaces, degrade additives, and accelerate oil aging.
Following these best practices can help mitigate the presence of water in hydraulic systems:
- Be sure to follow proper hydraulic system maintenance intervals for filters and fluid changes. To remove water from the system, conduct a complete drain of fluid in the system, clean the hydraulic reservoir of any contaminants, and install clean fluid.
- Operating the system regularly will increase fluid temperature and help remove water from oil.
- To prevent water from entering the system, do not leave the system open or exposed to water entry and ensure proper vent cap installation.
REMOVE CONTAMINATION
Particulate contamination can be problematic in hydraulics systems. In normal operation, hydraulic fluids are circulating, and the filters are removing contamination. The filtration system is critical, so be sure to follow proper filter change intervals and use a filter with the correct ratings for the application. Use clean fluid when adding fluid to the system. In addition, proper service procedures and component installation is important for keeping contaminants out of the assembly.
SYSTEM NOISES
There are two common reasons for knocking noises: aeration and cavitation. When air bubbles contaminate the hydraulic fluid, it results in banging or knocking noises due to the compression and decompression of the air as it moves through the system. Air contamination can also decrease the efficiency of the hydraulic system. Air in the hydraulic system is called aeration, which is caused by a leak on the inlet side of the pump. It’s important to maintain the proper hose connections and oil level in the system to prevent air contamination. Routine hose inspection and repair of any leaks help prevent aeration of the hydraulic system.
When a vacuum bubble is created on the inlet side of the pump, it results in whining and banging noises due to the creation and collapse of the bubble. Vacuum bubbles created by a very low fluid pressure is called cavitation. The most common causes are fluid viscosity that is too high for the operating temperature or a fluid restriction on the inlet side of the pump.
To avoid aeration or cavitation, some issues to watch for and repair immediately are: a poorly designed inlet; a collapsed or otherwise restricted intake line; clogged or undersized reservoir breathers; loose intake-line clamps or fittings; porous intake lines; or a low reservoir oil level.
HIGH FLUID TEMPERATURE
High fluid temperature can be caused by anything that reduces the system’s capacity to dissipate heat or increases its heat load. This includes an excessive workload, a high duty cycle, and/or a failed or worn component with internal leakage.
Hydraulic systems dissipate heat through the reservoir and heat exchanger if equipped, so the reservoir fluid level should be monitored. Also check for obstructions to airflow around the reservoir, such as a buildup of dirt or debris. Keep the reservoir clean for proper heat dissipation.
Inspect the heat exchanger to ensure the core is not blocked. The heat exchanger’s ability to dissipate heat is dependent on the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid and the cooling air passing through the exchanger. All cooling circuit components and heat-generating components should be checked and replaced as necessary.
Installing a fluid temperature alarm in your hydraulic system can alert you to problems. High fluid temperature can result when any component has abnormal internal leakage that increases the heat load on the system, such as when a cylinder leaks high-pressure fluid past its piston seal. A handheld infrared thermometer or thermal camera can be used to identify components that have internal leakage. While in operation, failed or worn components will show higher temperatures than other components in the system. A common source of excessive heat due to internal leakage is an undersized or overused pressure relief valve.
SLOW OPERATION
In a hydraulic system, fluid flow determines actuator speed and response. A loss of speed indicates a loss of flow at the point of use.
Loss of flow in a hydraulic circuit can be caused by an external or internal leak. External leaks are typically easy to find, such as a burst hose. Internal leaks are more difficult to pinpoint, since they can occur in the pump, valves, or actuators.
For slow operation when a load is applied, it’s always good to verify adjustable settings in the hydraulic system. For systems with variable displacement pumps, it is common for a pump-mounted pressure compensator to reduce flow at a set pressure. Since the pressure compensator reduces flow at the set pressure, the set pressure should be verified. Pressure relief valves are another common component that can cause reduced flow. When relief valve set pressures are too close to system operating pressures, it can cause internal leakage and slow operation. For systems with both variable displacement pressure compensating pumps and pressure relief valves, the pressure relief valve should be set a few hundred psi higher than the pump pressure compensator to prevent excessive operation of the relief valve.
Because internal leakage influences heat load, the issues of high fluid temperature and slow operation often occur together. Fluid temperature increases result in a decrease in viscosity, which in turn causes internal leakage to increase. That causes the heat load—and fluid temperatures—to increase even more.
Maintaining the correct fluid level, using proper filtration, and repairing any leaks are the first line of defense against excessive heat and contamination. Using the correct, high-quality fluid is also important.
RUN SMOOTHLY
Keeping your machine running smoothly helps avoid component failure—and ensures you have the hydraulic power needed for critical jobs. Following these best practices can help keep your hydraulic system operating reliably and in top performance.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Roger Wareham is the southeastern territory sales manager at Miller Electric Mfg. LLC. Find out more, visit www.millerwelds.com.
