Keeping your hydraulic cylinders running smoothly ensures your manufacturing operation proceeds efficiently. Detecting any issues early can help you prevent system failures and avoid expensive repairs. Fortunately, these components often give warnings before they break down completely. Below are several indications you should recognize.

What Are Some Frequent Hydraulic Cylinder Problems?

1. Overheating

Depending on your machine, the hydraulic cylinder's normal temperature threshold can vary.  If you notice this component heating beyond the machine's specific limit, something is preventing it from cooling down. Overheating reduces the life span and effectiveness of the hydraulic fluid and can damage the seals.

This is often caused by blockages in vents that prevent air from reaching the fluid reservoir or heat exchanger. There may also be a fluid leak somewhere in the system. Inspect all reservoirs and vents, and consider installing an alarm system to alert you of any significant changes in the machine's temperature.

2. Strange Noises

Knocking or banging noises coming from your hydraulic cylinder can indicate air bubbles within the fluid. This prevents a sufficient amount from being distributed to the cylinder components, causing the fluid to vaporize and creating a jackhammer-like sound. If you notice these noises, turn the machine off until you can identify and repair the root cause of the issue. Continuing to use the device without addressing the problem could result in serious damage, requiring you to replace the cylinder.

3. Slow Operation

If you notice that your machine is taking longer to cycle, the hydraulic cylinder may be faulty. Both external and internal leaks can cause this issue. External leaks usually come from a damaged hose, while internal problems typically stem from the actuator, pump, or valves. Avoid increasing the power to the machine to compensate for the slow performance, as this can worsen existing problems. Instead, turn the device off and schedule a full inspection to identify and repair the problem.

If you need professional hydraulic cylinder repair, contact Commercial Machine Service in Kalispell, MT. Since 2003, this full-service machine shop has been providing high-quality, custom solutions to businesses throughout northwest Montana. They can fabricate and weld a variety of small and large pieces to help you repair your machines quickly. Visit the website for more information about their services, and call (406) 752-4979 to request a quote.