When you depend on equipment that uses hydraulics to operate, hydraulic pump failure is the last thing you want to deal with. Rebuilding the pump is time-consuming, but it can save you some money.
Signs the Pump Is Failing
Often, the hydraulic pump in your equipment will give you some indications that the pump is failing before it stops working completely. The system pressure may drop significantly, or you may start to hear noises coming from the pump when it is under load.
Equipment that uses extremely high pressures in the hydraulic system often shows signs of pump damage earlier than other systems because even a slight drop in pressure may cause the hydraulics to stop working suddenly.
You may also start to see some leaking from the pump if the seals are failing, especially in high-pressure systems. If you think your pump is leaking, place some paper towel, a shop towel, or a rag under it to see if it is actively dripping or it any oil you see on the pump is residual oil from filling or servicing the system.
Rebuilding the Pump
If the hydraulic pump is failing, removing it from the system and rebuilding it can save a lot of money, but it may take more time than replacing it would. If you are not familiar with the inner workings of the hydraulic pump, it is best to take it to a machine shop or hydraulic shop that works on these types of systems and have them disassemble the pump, inspect it, and let you know if the pump is salvageable or not.
If there is no damage to the inside of the pump, the hydraulic technician can replace the seals and any internal parts that are worn, then reassemble the pump for you. If you are dealing with older equipment, the pump may take more time to rebuild because the seals and other parts may take some time to get. In some cases, the shop may have to make a part for you, but if you can't get a new pump, this might be the best option for you.
Reinstalling the Pump
Putting the hydraulic pump back into the equipment and bleeding the hydraulic system is critical. You need to fill the system and get all the air out of the lines, or the hydraulics will not operate correctly. Some machines have very specific methods of removing the air, so if you are not sure how to do it, you may want to have someone from your local equipment repair center come and install the pump for you.
Reach out to a company that offers hydraulic pump rebuild services to learn more.