Don’t Miss These Vital Signs- Your Hydraulic Cylinder Needs Repair

Hydraulic cylinders are used in construction equipment, elevators, civil engineering devices, and many more to give a unidirectional force through a unidirectional stroke. Although designed for challenging environments, these hydraulic cylinders are susceptible to wear and tear over time, just like any mechanical part, which could necessitate maintenance. This post addresses some typical causes of hydraulic cylinder repair needs and ways of mitigation.

Top Six Reasons That Cause the Repair of Hydraulic Cylinders

There are several reasons that demand for hydraulic cylinder parts. Listed below are a few of the top six reasons you must know.

• Seal Failure: The seal is the most important part of a hydraulic cylinder and is prone to failure. There are several reasons that can lead to the failure of seals such as damage in piston rods, breakdown from heat, contaminated fluid, or pressure spikes, chemical erosion, contamination, and even improper installation. This can be easily avoided by regular inspection and upkeep that can help identify seal problems early and save you money on future repairs.
• Corrosion: This is another issue that frequently affects hydraulic cylinders. The rods are occasionally exposed to the weather when equipment is stored outside. Regular cylinder use will cause a tiny oil coating to develop on the cylinder rod, solving the issue. Failure of the hydraulic cylinder is inevitable otherwise. Inspections at regular intervals and protective coatings are necessary to lessen the instances of failure due to corrosion.
• Side-loading: Good quality hydraulic cylinders would last for years when installed and maintained properly. However, these cylinders may experience failure due to side loading. These occur when the piston rod moves out of its designated route. The piston rod may move out due to improper installation of the cylinder. Side loading causes uneven wear and tear because the cylinder rod pulls more on one side than the other and the piston drags harder on the opposite side. The hydraulic cylinder will degrade faster under moderate side loading, necessitating earlier cylinder maintenance.
• Rod Damage: A hydraulic cylinder’s piston rod is continuously subjected to a variety of forces, which puts it at risk of damage. Things like overloading, impacts, or working in tough settings can result in abrasions, scoring, and bending of the rod. If a rod has been damaged, it may cause cylinder movement to be irregular, impair lifting capability, and pose a risk to safety. Henceforth, it is essential to rapidly repair or replace damaged rods so that the cylinder’s operation and safety are regularly maintained.
• Fluid Contamination: The fluid in the cylinder contributes to its consistent performance. This fluid may get contaminated when foreign particles get entrapped in it.  Therefore, routine fluid analysis and filtration are essential for the prevention of contamination-related repair needs.
• Overheating: Excessive heat can damage the hydraulic cylinder. The polyurethane seals will lose their shape and effectiveness at high temperatures. These temperatures will damage the fluid in the cylinders, leading to system failure and leakage.

Hydraulic cylinders are indispensable in many industries, and their proper functioning is essential for maintaining productivity and safety. The entire process of hydraulic cylinder repair requires careful attention with an eye for detail which is done by experienced hands and several years of expertise to master. The majority of repairs are best performed by professionals as they can troubleshoot the root cause of the damage.

This is the area where we are supposed to get the best professionals hired for the repair of hydraulic cylinders. If you want to recognize the common reasons for hydraulic cylinder repair, taking proactive steps to address these issues would be advised. You can extend the life expectancy of your hydraulic cylinders with regular maintenance and inspections to ensure the safety of workers and machinery. If you are looking for a reliable hydraulic cylinder repair services provider, opt for Motor & Gear. They provide top-notch hydraulic cylinder parts repair services in the US. Feel free to get in touch with them today to seek the best professional assistance.