Is Your Hydraulic Pump Failing? Here’s What You Need to Know!?
Hydraulic pumps are the heart of any industrial system, and when they start to fail, the impact can be significant. Downtime is costly, and the longer you wait to address the issue, the more damage you could be facing. But here’s the thing—not every failing pump needs a full replacement right away. Sometimes, quick troubleshooting can save the day.
Let’s dive into the key reasons hydraulic pumps fail and how you can troubleshoot, replace, and maintain them to keep your system running smoothly.
Why Do Hydraulic Pumps Fail?
Here are the common culprits behind most hydraulic pump failures:
- Fluid Contamination: Dirt and particulates entering your system can degrade fluid quality and corrode parts.
- Excess Pressure: Operating beyond the pump’s designed pressure range will overwork it, leading to damage.
- Poor Fluid Quality: Using low-quality or incorrect fluids can cause overheating or cavitation—both of which destroy pumps fast.
- Cavitation: Vapor cavities in the fluid implode and damage the pump’s metal parts.
- Excessive Temperature: High temperatures can damage seals and degrade fluid, leading to pump failure.
- Leaks: Unchecked leaks allow contaminants in, degrading performance over time.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Pump
How do you know if your hydraulic pump is reaching the end of its life? Look for these signs:
- Unusual Noise: Loud banging or knocking sounds aren’t normal. It could be a sign of cavitation or aeration.
- Overheating: If your system temperature exceeds 180°F, you need to investigate immediately. High temps can quickly lead to failure.
- Sluggish Performance: A slower system usually indicates a loss of pressure, which could mean an internal leak.
How Often Should You Replace Your Pump?
Pumps generally last several years, but this depends on usage, fluid quality, and maintenance. Most manufacturers will provide an estimated lifespan based on operating hours or cycles.
Preventative maintenance is crucial for extending pump life. Here’s what you should be doing regularly:
Daily Maintenance Checklist:
- Check oil levels.
- Monitor system temperature.
- Inspect for leaks and contamination.
Annual Maintenance Tasks:
- Drain and replace the oil.
- Perform a thorough inspection of the hydraulic system and all components.
What Does Pump Replacement Cost?
The cost of replacing a hydraulic pump can range from $1,500 or more, depending on the type of pump and whether you opt for OEM or remanufactured parts. Remanufactured pumps are often quicker to source and less expensive than direct OEM replacements, but have a 75% life span compared to brand new Pumps. You end up paying more in the long run for less.
Work with PUSH Hydraulics
At PUSH Hydraulics, we make it easy to find the right replacement parts, whether you need a new Vickers, Rexroth, or Parker pump. We provide high-quality aftermarket parts options with our distributors that meet or exceed OEM standards. Let us help you avoid unnecessary downtime and keep your system running at peak efficiency.