Berendsen Hydraulic Troubleshooting Guide
Berendsen Hydraulic Troubleshooting Guide
Berendsen Hydraulic Troubleshooting Guide
COMPLETE
GUIDE
U N D E R S T A N D I N G N O I S E , H E A T,
F LO W A N D P R E S S U R E P R O B L E M S
THE
COMPLETE
WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOUR HYDRAULIC PUMP? GUIDE
INTRODUCTION
UNDERSTANDING THE
4 MAIN PUMP PROBLEMS
This guide has been created to help you to pinpoint possible hydraulic pump
problems. In it, we outline the 4 most common pump issues and provide you
with more information about the contributing factors and underlying causes.
While this is not intended to be an exhaustive manual, it will help you to
narrow down pump problems so you can take the right steps to resolve your
issue.
The 4 main pump issues covered by this guide:
1. NOISE PROBLEMS
2. HEAT PROBLEMS
3. FLOW PROBLEMS
4. PRESSURE PROBLEMS
Berendsen Fluid Power is a nationwide hydraulics leader that stocks and
supplies a wide range of hydraulic pumps from major manufacturers
including Eaton and Danfoss. In addition, our repair centres across Australia
perform repairs and refurbishment to all hydraulic pump types. If you need
more information, or if you’d like to enquire about a pump repair, please
contact us.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
OVERHEATING?
Have you noticed a temperature YOUR PUMP
increase that is localised to the MAY BE CAVITATING
pump itself (without affecting
other parts of the circuit)? This Cavitation is the rapid formation and implosion
heat is likely related to the of air cavities in the hydraulic fluid which creates
a vast amount of heat. That is because the oil
mechanical condition or operation
implodes with such violence that it can generate
of the pump. Review the possible temperatures of up to 2700 degrees C at the
causes on the right. point of implosion! Cavitation compromises the
lubrication properties of the oil, and the excessive
heat is extremely damaging to hoses and seals and
metal components, which expand and wear.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
POSSIBLE CAUSE
SOLUTION
POSSIBLE CAUSE
HAVE LOW FLOW? the pump. Check to see your relief valve is set
within prescribed limits.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
POSSIBLE CAUSE
NO PRESSURE? flow.
Air leak in suction line
Air present in the pump at start-up
Insufficient supply of oil in pump
Clogged or dirty fluid filters
Clogged inlet lines or hoses
Blocked reservoir breather vent
Low oil in the reservoir
POSSIBLE CAUSE
PROBLEM
THE RELIEF VALVE COULD BE
SET INCORRECTLY
DOES YOUR It is possible that the entire flow could be passing
over the relief valve, preventing the pressure from
PUMP HAVE developing. Check that the relief valve is adjusted
properly for the pump specifications and the
NO PRESSURE? application.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
POSSIBLE CAUSE
PROBLEM
POSSIBLE CAUSE
POSSIBLE CAUSE
As we have discussed throughout this guide, Like cavitation, aeration is another damaging
cavitation is a major enemy to pump performance problem you will probably encounter in the life of
and lifespan. Here are some tips to reduce the your pump.
formation of these harmful cavities in your fluid. Here are some steps you can take to reduce the
1. Always ensure you maintain the correct oil level presence of air in your system:
in the reservoir at all times during operation. 1. Take care to bleed all the air from your system
Take into account the oil level drop when when filling or replacing fluid.
cylinders are extended.
2. Check for leaking connections and secure them
2. Make sure that all shut-off valves are open, if necessary.
are of the proper type, and are allowing
3. Fill the oil reservoir to the required level and
unrestricted flow.
ensure the reservoir level is sufficient at all
3. Ensure all hoses are of sufficient diameter times during operation - account for oil level
to allow adequate flow - so as to avoid oil drops as cylinders extend.
starvation and avoid pressure drops.
4. On mobile machines, pump reservoirs should
4. Ensure all filters are replaced according to the be designed to mitigate sloshing, which can
prescribed maintenance schedule. Clogged aerate your fluid.
filters will create an excessive pressure drop,
which leads to cavitation.
5. Ensure adequate fluid flow from the reservoir.
Pumps are designed to push fluid, not suck.
Excessive pressure generates heat, which is Fluid contamination is a major source of pump
damaging to hydraulic fluids. Keep in mind damage. Follow these recommendations to reduce
that pumps are designed to produce flow - not contamination and prolong the performance and life
pressure! If your system design is such that pumps of your pump.
are required to overcome too much pressure 1. Replace hydraulic filters according to the
to create the necessary flow, they will produce prescribed maintenance schedule.
excessive heat and eventually fail.
2. Check possible entry points such as breather
With this in mind, here are some tips for avoiding hoses or missing reservoir caps that may allow
this condition: dirt or water to enter.
1. Ensure the pump is appropriate for the 3. Make sure seals are in good condition so they do
application. Don’t turn up the pressure to not allow contaminants to get into cylinders or
compensate for a pump that is too small. motors.
2. Ensure pressure relief settings are adjusted 4. Clean new parts thoroughly before installation.
properly. In some cases, pumps are replaced New parts such as hoses sometimes contain
and the pressure settings are not changed rubber and metal particles from manufacturing.
accordingly. 5. Take fluid samples and keep a record of
3. Follow the correct maintenance procedures for contamination levels within your system so you
the rest of your machine or system. Don’t turn will be aware of the pattern of contamination
increases and can take preventative steps.
up the pressure to compensate for sticking
cylinders, or to overcome flow problems caused 6. When you sample hydraulic fluid, do so at the
by clogged lines or filters. same point each time to ensure consistency.
However, do not take samples from stagnant
points such as fluid reservoir drains or you will
encounter inaccurate readings.
7. Take care to store hydraulic fluid carefully. Fluid
will quickly become contaminated if containers
are left open.
8. Filter hydraulic oil through a fine mesh before
adding it to the hydraulic system to reduce
contaminants.
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Bundaberg
Brisbane
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Melbourne
We have been at the forefront of Australia’s hydraulic industry for over 25 years, offering a
comprehensive range of fluid power service and repair facilities, products and system
solutions, as well as our own range of manufactured products.