Causes of Hydraulic Cylinder Leakage
Our previous guide to hydraulic cylinders for heavy equipment explained how they work, but do you know what causes hydraulic cylinder leakages? Leakages can be common within the industry, however in many cases they are preventable. This guide will cover the top causes of hydraulic cylinder leakage in heavy machinery and ways in which you can minimise and altogether prevent the occurrence of fluid leaks.
1. Wear and tear
Wear and tear is a common cause of part and component failure in the heavy machinery industry, however it should be stopped in its tracks before it causes increased damage and repair costs. Examples of wear and tear with your heavy machinery’s hydraulics can include worn pistons, or damage to the barrel itself. Both of these examples can lead to fluid leakages, as the parts keeping the liquid inside the cylinder start to fail and lose their effectiveness.
Fortunately, it’s simple enough to prevent leakages through wear and tear with proper preventative measures. Performing regular maintenance checks is vital for all heavy machinery parts, and it’s no different when it comes to your hydraulic cylinders. To make things easier and to avoid missed checks, it might be helpful to set up a schedule.
Another way in which you can prevent the likelihood of hydraulic leakages is by using high quality seals and components, which we are able to supply. Higher quality products, alongside regular maintenance, can reduce downtime and the costs associated with regular repairs and leak fixes.
2. Corrosion
Corrosion and oxidisation can be caused by certain contaminants, such as damaged pump particles and debris, and this can lead to hydraulic cylinder leakage. To prevent this, it’s important to use your cylinders regularly, as this will create a micro film of oil on the cylinder, protecting it from corrosion of oxidisation. Furthermore, it’s essential to keep your hydraulic oil clean to inhibit the build-up of oxidising, contaminant particles and debris. Regular oil sampling can detect early contamination, so investigations can be made.
3. Over tightening
Over tightening your hydraulic cylinders is another preventable cause of leakages. Not only is overtightening extremely dangerous due to the extreme pressures this can cause within the cylinder, but it’s also a sure-fire way to damage your heavy machinery equipment. Overtightening easily causes cracks in your cylinder and can cause snap rings to dislodge, both of which will without a doubt lead to fluid leakage.
Next time you tighten your hydraulic cylinders, take care to only tighten to recommended specifications which you can find in your product specifications. This ensures an optimal and safe environment for your equipment, improving item longevity, reducing fluid leakages, and ensuring worker safety. It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s service information, regarding torque settings.
4. Extreme temperatures
Did you know that normal operating temperatures for hydraulic systems fall within the 110 to 130° F range? Exposing your hydraulic cylinders to extreme temperatures is another guaranteed way to ensure leakages. Excessively high temperatures can damage seals by changing their shape, thereby reducing their effectiveness as the barrier between a properly functioning cylinder and a faulty, leaky one. Similarly, extreme cold reduces the elasticity properties of seals, meaning that they become more brittle and are vulnerable to cracking and snapping.
Furthermore, the hydraulic liquid itself is also negatively affected by extremes in temperature - too hot and the liquid will begin to break down and not lubricate effectively, too cold and the liquid’s viscosity will thicken. Monitor your machine’s hydraulic oil temperature and check and clean the hydraulic oil cooler if necessary.
How to store hydraulic cylinders
When storing your hydraulic cylinders, ensure that they are kept away from direct sunlight, snow or any other extreme temperature conditions. They should be kept indoors in a clean and dry location with minimal temperature variation.
Hydraulic cylinder leaks aren’t uncommon, but that doesn’t mean you should have to suffer downtime and the costs associated with regular repairs. Instead, make sure to conduct regular inspections and maintenance, keep your equipment free of contaminants, only tighten to individual specifications, and store your cylinders correctly.
If you need high quality replacement hydraulic parts for your heavy-duty equipment, we are here to help. At Jaytrac, we stock and supply replacement parts for Caterpillar, Komatsu, and Volvo machinery. For more information, please contact us via telephone at 01604 491 133 or email us at sales@jaytrac.co.uk.