The Counterfeit Parts Problem

SplitSlipperA10V-LoResA recent client consulted me about the failure of an axial piston pump. And based on my long experience working in hydraulic repair shops, the mode of failure was unusual. In fact, it was a type of failure I’ve never seen before. The slipper of just one of the 9 pistons had split clean in half–see inset pic. The other 8 piston slippers were in perfect condition. Normal ‘lift’ between piston ball and slipper socket, no signs of rolling onto their edges, no sign of been hammered onto the swash plate, retaining plate undamaged. Maybe you’ve seen this type of failure before? Either way, it’s certainly not common.

Possible explanations include a material defect in the slipper itself, or defective crimp/rolling when the slipper was attached to the piston. Material and manufacturing defects can and do happen. But in this day and age, the possibility of counterfeiting must also be considered in these situations. And I’m not talking about the possible use of gray or aftermarket parts in this pump’s repair (it was a new pump). I’m talking about the possibility the pump is a complete forgery being passed off as the genuine article.

According to the Federal Trade Commission and the World Customs Organization in Interpol, the estimated size of the industrial counterfeiting problem is $600 billion per year. In other words, this is big business for black market manufacturers globally. And because counterfeits are presented as name brand products in form, fit, function, and ‘trade dress’ they are able to infiltrate and contaminate the supply chain.

In the case of the hydraulic pump discussed above, it’s a fairly straight forward matter to check the pump’s serial number with the original equipment manufacturer to establish whether or not it’s genuine. But for other components such as bearings, seals, filters, hose, etc., traceability is more difficult or may be impossible. Which means the only defence is buyer awareness–and alterness.

In other words, sourcing your parts and hydraulic components from other than known and trusted suppliers who are authorized distributors for the manufacturers they represent can turn out to be a costly mistake. And to discover six other costly mistakes you want to be sure to avoid with your hydraulic equipment, get “Six Costly Mistakes Most Hydraulics Users Make… And How You Can Avoid Them!” available for FREE download here.

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