Hydraulic cylinders are common components. It is likely that these devices will be a common part of your machine repair expenses. A sizable portion of the hydraulic cylinder failures are a result of poor design. While this may be concerning, it also means that hydraulic cylinder failure is not inevitable and can be prevented.

Bent Cylinder Rods

Cylinder rods are often bent because they do not have enough material strength. This leads to the rods becoming bent. Once they have become bent, a deforming load is placed on the rod seal. This can lead to leakage and cause the seal to fail. This problem can be prevented by using rods that are made of a stronger material.

Dirty Hydraulic Fluid

Another common issue causing cylinder failure is when the hydraulic fluid is not kept clean. A failure to clean the fluid leads to the cylinder failing prematurely and can also lead to seal failure and leaks. Contamination can result from internal contamination, such as when contaminants that come from dirt and wear. External contamination results from a leak in the hydraulic cylinder that allows for contaminants to enter the cylinder. Contaminants can be prevented through adequate filtration.

Seals Wearing Away Over Time

The seals on a cylinder can give away, which can lead to gradual or sudden and catastrophic damage. While most seals will wear away over time, a seal will wear away much more rapidly and cause much more damage if the hydraulic fluids are not kept clean. Through adequate filtration and by using the right hydraulic fluids, you will be able to avoid damage to the seal that can lead to catastrophic failure.

Cylinder Ballooning

Sometimes, the cylinder will experience ballooning. This is a phenomenon where the wall is not thick enough for the operating pressure of the cylinder. This leads to the proper tolerance between the piston and seal being lost, which can lead to leaks. The problem is solved by making sure that the hydraulic cylinder material is thick enough.

An Improper Rod Finish

The rod finish is essential. If the rod is not rough enough, this can lead to the rod failing earlier as a result of not having enough lubrication. However, if the roughness is too high, this can lead to damage to the hydraulic seal. While these systems should be repaired, it is most important that they be designed properly in the first place. Talk to a repair professional, like http://fivestarhydraulicslv.com, for more help.