If your business relies on equipment and machinery that utilizes hydraulic pistons, you’re invested in keeping them running properly. However, if the cylinder isn’t correctly maintained or it’s overworked in the jobs you’re performing, you can face frustrating and expensive breakdowns. To avoid frequent piston rod repairs, learn about three problems you may face below. You’ll be prepared to prevent them with regular maintenance.

How to Address 3 Common Hydraulic Piston Issues

1. Tube Ballooning

If the material in the cylinder tube isn’t strong enough for your applications, it will start ballooning, leaving small gaps between the piston seal and tube wall. This allows fluid to escape, slowly eroding the seal and decreasing its life span. Losing this seal can damage other components in the piston, lead to an expensive repair, and put your operations on hold while you wait for repairs.

2. Rough Finish

The finish on a hydraulic rod is tricky, as it can’t be too smooth or too rough. A surface with too little roughness won’t distribute enough lubrication. A surface that’s too rough will introduce outside contamination more quickly and increase the odds of leakage getting past the seal. To keep from calling a piston rod repair company constantly, make sure your pistons are coated properly.  

3. Bent Rods

Once again, using hydraulic equipment for jobs beyond their capacity can cause issues. In this case, a minor bend in the rod will gradually place strain on the seal, upping leakage and eventually breaking the it. To prevent this issue, make sure your piston is strong enough for the applications you’re using it in. Additionally, ensure that the mounting arrangement is correct.

If you’re facing any of these issues and need piston rod repairs, you’ll want the experts at R. A. Heller Co. on your side. Since 1946, they’ve helped clients in the Midwest and East United States from their base in Cincinnati, OH. With high-quality hard chrome plating and precision grinding equipment, they can help you thrive in your industry. To learn more about piston rod repairs, call (513) 771-6100 or visit them online.