Among the parts working hard to power and maintain your hydraulic system is the hydraulic pump. However, hydraulic pumps—like the other parts of the overall system—are not invincible. This means that after prolonged use and exposure to the internal pressure of the system, they will begin to break down and could even fail altogether. Failing pumps can completely halt your project, which is why it’s important to recognize the signs of a failing hydraulic pump early so you can replace it as soon as possible.
Here are three of the biggest signs that your hydraulic pumps are breaking down:
- Slowing Operations. The longer your pumps are at work, the more the internal pressure will cause them to work harder and harder, which eventually will lead to slower operations. Pay attention to how long your cycle lengths are compared to how they were when your pumps were first installed. If there’s a significant difference, your pumps may need to be replaced.
- Leaks: Whether they show up in your house, your car, or your hydraulic pumps, leaks are almost never a good thing. In a hydraulic pump, a leak affects liquid flow, which in turn affects the pressure of the hydraulic system as a whole. This is significant because your system could be rendered inefficient or unusable when the pressure drops.
- Strange Noises: Unusual noises are big indicators of something wrong with all kinds of different machinery. Strange noises in your hydraulic pumps are no exception to this. If you’ve noticed unusual sounds coming from your pumps that weren’t present before, particularly knocking noises, it’s likely time to replace your pumps.