The Dangers of a Hydraulic Fluid Leak

Though hydraulic fluid leaks might seem like a minor issue, they pose numerous dangers to the entire hydraulic system. They can accelerate component wear while lowering performance and reliability. They can also raise the system’s operational costs.

When most people think of hydraulic leaks, they may picture hydraulic fluid leaking onto a floor. They may also imagine locating a leaking seal or a hole in the  hydraulic hose. However, these leaks can show up in other ways and are occasionally challenging to solve.

Read on for a closer look at hydraulic fluid leaks, especially how to detect and fix them.

Diagnosing a Hydraulic Leak

Since hydraulic systems rely on fluids, leaking hydraulic fluid is their most common problem. Leaking significantly reduces the amount of fluid in the hydraulic system, hindering its efficiency. Moreover, excessive loss of fluid can wear out the hydraulic pump.

Most leaks tend to be minor. They will gradually disrupt your equipment’s functioning rather than immediately. However, quickly detecting and fixing hydraulic fluid leaks is vital to prevent hydraulic accidents or system failure.

Hydraulic leaking might not cause the system to instantly stop functioning or release liquid all over the floor. Yet, it will require some effort to diagnose the cause.

Hydraulic Leaks Causes

Hydraulic leaks can have various causes. They generally result from:

• Poor system design
• Wear and tear of component surfaces and seals in the hydraulic cylinders
• Use of damaged or faulty parts
• Incorrect control tolerances during rebuilds or initial manufacture
• Use of incompatible fluid that causes high-temperature damage

Hydraulic leaks can also result from a breakdown in the tubes. In addition, the tubes may have had poor installation or incorrect fitting. Whatever the case, the tubes will vibrate excessively from stress to the system.

The constant vibration may then cause the connections between pipes to loosen and disengage. This wear and tear can then form cracks in the tubes that allow the fluid to leak out.

Detecting Hydraulic System Leakage

Many hydraulic machines have dirt and oil on their surface. This grime can make it challenging to detect and locate a leak.

Fortunately, you can still look for signs of a hydraulic leak. Some of the most common signs include:

• Puddling beneath the machine: Look for puddles underneath the hydraulic machine. This sign is a clear indication of a leak.
• Falling fluid levels: Observe your system’s fluid gauges, checking the fluid level over several uses to see if it is dropping.
• Poor performance: Is the machine lacking sufficient pressure or working less efficiently? The system might have an undetected leak.
• Excessive noise: Rattling or knocking noises coming from your machine is another potential sign of a leak.
• Overly hot fluid temperature: Some signs of leaks have nothing to do with the system itself. For instance, a leak may be present if the fluid’s temperature exceeds 180°F.

How to Fix Hydraulic Leaks

After you’ve detected a leak, taking the steps below will help you resolve it:

• Depressurize the system: Shut off the machine and bleed the hydraulic pressure from the line.
• Use cardboard or a piece of wood to check for the leak: The hot hydraulic fluid can easily burn your skin. Fortunately, wearing thick leather gloves and using a piece of wood or cardboard will prevent burns.
• Repair the leak: Replace the affected hose. When finished, check that both ends of the hose are clean and well-lubricated. Also, verify that the fittings are compatible and not too tight.

Hydraulic Leaks Prevention

You can take numerous steps to prevent leaks and ensure hydraulics safety. Some of these steps include:

• Regularly inspecting and maintaining the hydraulic system
• Reducing vibration by adding proper mounting support
• Immediately replacing any faulty or worn parts and connections
• Checking the temperature of the hydraulic fluid

Lubricating the seals and O-rings can also prevent them from failing. Ensure that you use the suitable lubricant in the correct amount.

Also, remember not to over-tighten the fittings. Over-tightening them can cause them to crack. Alternatively, under-tightening them can cause leaks or allow contaminants into the hydraulic system.

Conclusion

Are you looking for a shop that provides quality parts to repair hydraulic fluid leaks? Look no further than  Greenshields Industrial Supply.

Backed by decades of experience and extensive training, we have a comprehensive inventory of hydro products. We have developed cutting-edge processes to effectively service and repair hydraulic equipment.

Enjoy premium products and excellent customer service from your one-stop  hydraulic shop. Call Greenshields Industrial Supply at 425-225-4571 to learn how we can help you prevent a hydraulic fluid accident.