Much of modern industry relies on hydraulic equipment to keep businesses running. When they cease to function, it can lead to factory or work site downtime and lost money. Even well-designed and maintained hydraulic cylinders are not immune to wear and tear, so it’s a smart move to evaluate their condition periodically. Below are a few tell-tale signs operators can look out for that indicate the need for repairs to their equipment’s Hydraulic Cylinder in Chicago.
Noticeable Leaks
Hydraulic cylinders require special fluid to work. If there are any signs this fluid is leaking, such as drips or even small puddles beneath the piston rod or the gland, it’s probably due to worn seals. Thankfully this is a fairly easy repair. A trained repair technician can replace the seals, and often that’s all it takes to get equipment up and running again.
Mounting Alignment or Wear
If the mountings are noticeably worn, it will have a drastic negative impact on performance. Misaligned mountings will also impact efficiency, although they may not be as easy to diagnose. Any Hydraulic Cylinder in Chicago will be equipped with either fixed mountings or pivot mountings. If the mountings are fixed, there should be no signs of motion between surfaces. If any movement does appear, it might indicate the bolts need to be tightened. Pivot mountings, as their name implies, do move. That’s why they have to be properly lubricated to encourage peak performance. These issues can be easily diagnosed and repaired by someone with experience in the field.
Damaged Piston Rod
Damage to the piston rod is usually fairly obvious. Look for signs of pitting or scoring along the entire length of the rod, and check to see if it is bent. In the latter case, the entire hydraulic cylinder will likely need to be overhauled.
If left unchecked, any of these ostensibly minor issues can lead to major damage. It’s best to address them as soon as possible while repairs are still possible. Regardless of the extent of damage, Miller Hydraulic Service Inc can help operators understand their options and decide whether to repair or simply replace a worn or damaged hydraulic cylinder.
