5 Steps for More Effective Hydraulic Troubleshooting

When it comes to hydraulic troubleshooting, knowledge is your best asset, but you can learn ways to troubleshoot a hydraulic system or component to get an accurate diagnosis.

Understand the Problem

First, familiarize yourself with how the hydraulic pump is connected to the large system. Manufacturer specifications, schematics, and knowing the part’s function and purpose will help you figure out why system pressure is low or inconsistent or not receiving enough voltage.

Verify Connections

Hydraulic pumps must be properly connected to work. Compare the physical system to a schematic diagram. If hydraulic or electrical connections are faulty, you may have found the source of the problem and can fix it.

Compare Malfunctioning and Working Units

Check various parameters, including temperature, size, pressure, flow, and system age. Your vane pump may not be broken. Detailed comparisons can reveal issues such as low fluid or pressure settings; a simple adjustment may get the system back online.

Test the System

When a gear pump or hydraulic piston pump doesn’t perform as expected, test its electronics, including leads, wiring, transducers, or solenoid, to see why the voltage is low. A mechanical test can determine the source of air leaks, restrictions, and excessive flow.

Have the Proper Tools

Troubleshooting your external gear pump will be easier if you have tools such as portable pressure gauges, flow meters, and voltage detectors. An infrared camera can find problem areas based on where the most heat is generated.

At White House Products, Ltd., we specialize in all hydraulic system parts and common hydraulic problems. Our technical support team can be reached at 800-130-3103.