The hydraulic pump is the driving force behind what makes your heavy machinery move and function. By converting mechanical energy into hydraulic energy, hydraulic systems are able to handle heavy-duty tasks. This makes them ideal for construction, agriculture, automotive, and other industries where heavy lifting is required.
Because these pumps can control so many aspects of your heavy equipment, you must know the warning signs that they are failing and need to be replaced. Learn the main symptoms of pump failure so you can catch it early on and avoid breaking your machine.
Unusual Noises
All heavy equipment is going to make noise, but as an operator you learn to distinguish between normal sounds and those that signal trouble. For example, if you start hearing loud banging or knocking coming from a hydraulic pump there is certainly something wrong with your system. Grinding and whirring noises are also common indicators of potential issues. Trust your instincts-if something doesn’t sound right, stop working and inspect the hydraulic pump immediately.
Unusual sounds coming from your system could signal a range of potential issues. The most common culprits include air infiltrating the pump, vapor cavity formation, mechanical wear, sticking valves, or failing seals and bearings. Addressing these problems early is crucial, as they often serve as warning signs that your system is on the brink of failure. Don’t ignore new noises—inspect your hydraulic pump promptly. A quick check could spare your equipment from serious damage and save you from costly repairs.
Decrease in Performance
You should be used to your equipment operating at a certain level of excellence. If your machinery starts working slower than normal your hydraulic pump could be the cause. Leaks, overheating or contaminated hydraulic fluid, worn out parts, and aeration could all be the cause of your machine’s sluggish performance. Don’t waste time when your equipment starts slowing down. Check your hydraulic pump to see if you can be repaired or replaced instead of waiting for the entire machine to break down.
Your Fluid is Overheating
Overheating hydraulic fluid isn’t just a concern—it can be a warning sign of a larger issue. As part of your daily maintenance routine, checking the fluid is essential to prevent overheating while the machine is in operation. Ideally, hydraulic oil temperature should range between 100°F and 140°F. If the fluid surpasses 180°F, immediate action is necessary to avoid severe and potentially irreversible damage.
Poor lubrication, a clogged filter, fluid contamination, or a blocked heat exchanger could all be possible causes for overheating fluid. So long as you conduct routine maintenance on your hydraulic pump and the rest of the system, you will spot these symptoms early on and be able to stop them from getting worse.
Contaminated Fluid
The hydraulic pump generates the pressure necessary to keep the entire system running by directing fluid to the appropriate components. As a result, hydraulic fluid plays a crucial role in your machine’s performance. However, it must meet specific standards to function properly—not only must it remain below 140 degrees, but it also needs to be free of contaminants. Dirt, debris, or air in the fluid can lead to serious problems, including excessive wear, overheating, filter blockage, aeration, and cavitation.
Fortunately, fluid contamination is typically easy to spot during routine maintenance checks. Debris may be visible, or the fluid might appear milky or foamy due to air entering the pump. If you notice these signs, replace the fluid and continue monitoring it. If the issue persists, it may be time to replace the hydraulic pump itself.
Perform Regular Maintenance
Don’t let any of these signs sneak up on you. Regularly check your hydraulic pump for leaks, strange noises, and vibrations as these could alert you to bigger issues. While you’re at it, make sure your hydraulic pump is aligned with the other parts of your hydraulic system to prevent excessive wear and corrosion. Make inspecting and replacing your hydraulic filters a part of your routine maintenance plan to prevent fluid contamination or blockages. And to ensure neither your fluid nor system overheat, regularly check your cooling system and repair it as necessary. Take care of every part of your heavy equipment and it will continue to perform like new.
Is it Time to Replace Your Hydraulic Pump?
Hydraulic pumps are an often overlooked but vital part of your construction vehicles. They’re the driving force behind what makes your machines move and operate smoothly. So, if your equipment starts overheating or running slower, check the hydraulic pump as it could be time to replace it. Keep up on regular maintenance of your hydraulics system and make sure your fluid is at the perfect temperature and free of debris.
Not being aware of these signs could lead to total pump and machine failure, putting you out of work until you can repair or replace your entire machine. Assess the health of your hydraulic pump on a regular basis so you can replace the part before it starts to affect your entire system. ACTParts can help with our variety of hydraulic pump parts. Contact us today and start keeping your hydraulic systems running smoothly.