Hydraulic cylinders are used in several industries. They are a critical part of the engineering and manufacturing industry. They are also used in heavy machinery as well. Hydraulic cylinders are extremely powerful. However, if you use them regularly they are prone to becoming damaged over time.

When hydraulic cylinders are not working properly it can result in delays in production. The best thing you can do is to recognize the signs that your hydraulic cylinder is malfunctioning so that you can take steps to get it repaired quickly. Here are some of the signs that you need to be on the lookout for. 

Leaking Fluid

Leaking fluid is one of the major signs that you need to get your hydraulic cylinder repaired. When your hydraulic cylinder is leaking you will usually see moisture on the piston rod of the cylinder. Leakages in this area are often caused by worn seals, it may be that there is also some internal damage to the piston. A professional will be able to find the exact reason for the leakage and get it repaired quickly, so you can start using your cylinder again.

Banging and Knocking

Banging and knocking are sure signs that something is wrong with your hydraulic cylinder. Hydraulic cylinders should be on the quieter side, so if you notice there are loud knocking sounds then there may be bubbles of air either inside the hydraulic fluid or in the cylinder itself. 

This can cause the hydraulic circuits to malfunction because of insufficient fluid. Once you hear these sounds you need to repair your hydraulic cylinder to prevent it from contaminating the hydraulic fluid.

Reduced Speed 

Another sign you need hydraulic cylinder repair is when there is reduced speed. When your hydraulic system has started to become slower, this is generally a sign that something is wrong. The flow of fluid can have a direct impact on the speed and quickness of response given by the hydraulic cylinder. A loss of flow will cause lagging in your hydraulic system which can cause a decrease or delay in production, you will need to get this fixed as soon as possible.

If you are in an industry that uses hydraulic fluid then chances are it is the backbone of several processes in your business. When your system needs repair the impact can cause a loss of production and affect revenue. Understanding the signs that your system needs repair and taking action to repair it can help to minimize loss of production time. 

Reach out to a company like Miller Hydraulics Service, Inc for more information.