One of our readers wrote to me recently regarding the following problem:

“I have a problem with a large garbage compactor. Each and every time the valve cycles the hydraulic cylinder, there is a loud bang. What are the possible causes?”

Assuming this noise is being generated by the hydraulics, i.e. it is not a symptom of a mechanical problem, … Read more

When a hydraulic system sees a spike in pressure it won’t necessarily blow up with a bang. But damage can occur in a number of ways. In fact, a single pressure spike of sufficient magnitude can render a hydraulic piston pump or motor unserviceable. Here’s how:

In axial and bent axis piston pump and motor designs, the cylinder barrel is … Read more

A client recently asked me to explain a seal failure on a hydraulic ram. The ram had been removed from a hydraulic lift due to a leaking rod seal, but upon inspection, both the rod seal and the surface of the rod were found to be in serviceable condition.

Recall that a hydraulic ram, a.k.a. displacement cylinder, is a single-acting … Read more