Leaks in hydraulic motors and pumps can happen for several reasons, as both systems operate at high temperatures, and general wear and tear can take its toll. Whether it’s hydraulic motor leaks in farm machinery or hydraulic pump leaks in construction machinery, repairing the issue early will help reduce the risk of further damage to your systems and equipment.
We understand it can be difficult to find the source of the leak in most environments, so CJ Plant is here with repair services, including a free strip and inspection, to ensure your hydraulic parts are functioning as they should.
What Causes Hydraulic Motor & Pump Leaks?
There can be many different causes of hydraulic fluid leaks, and the more components in the hydraulic system, including motors and pumps, the higher the risk of leakage.
Under Pressure
Hydraulic motors and pumps operate under high pressure, which places stress on other components and connections. If the system pressure exceeds recommended levels, it can cause fittings, hoses or the motor housing to leak. It’s important to regularly monitor the system pressure and avoid overloading equipment to reduce the risk of leaks.
High Temperature
Excessive heat is one of the biggest culprits of hydraulic motor leaks, causing fluid to thin and seals or hoses to degrade, increasing the possibility of substantial leakage. High temperatures typically derive from overworking the system, insufficient cooling or environmental factors. Operating the hydraulic system under correct temperatures helps maintain fluid viscosity and the integrity of components.
Poor Installation
Sometimes, the root cause of leaks will be out of your control due to incorrect and poor installation. Hydraulic motors, pumps and related components that are misaligned or feature improperly torqued bolts can create weak points where fluid can escape.
Faulty Seals
Seals are vital for keeping hydraulic fluid contained within the system, and it’s no surprise that damaged or worn seals are one of the most common causes of hydraulic pump and motor leaks. Seals often degrade over time due to wear, contamination or chemical reactions with the hydraulic fluid. Plus, when combined with excessive heat and pressure, seals found on the shaft connecting the pump and motor, especially, can face damage and cause leaks.
Other Notable Causes of Hydraulic Pump and Motor Leaks
- Contaminated fluid – contaminants can cause abrasion and wear on pumps and motors.
- Vibration and movement – excessive vibration from nearby machinery or improper mounting can loosen fittings.
- Incompatible fluids – each system requires specific fluid properties to function, and the wrong type will damage seals, hoses and metal components.
- Filter issues – filters need to be changed regularly, as particles trapped can break free and cause wear on motor and pump components.
Is a Fluid Leak Always Detectable?
Hydraulic Pump and hydraulic motor leaks can happen both externally and internally, so you can’t always just rely on sight alone to detect them. External leaks are generally easier to spot because fluid can be seen dripping or pooling around pumps, motors, hoses or fittings.
Internal leaks happen when hydraulic fluid on the inside of the pump or motor bypasses seals or components but doesn’t escape outside the system. These can be difficult to detect, but there are some common signs that internal leaks have happened.
You may think every hydraulic motor and pump leak will be large, but small leaks often go unnoticed if the system is under continuous operation, or if the leaks happen in hard-to-reach areas. Many leaks often go overlooked until they begin to cause further issues and damage.
How Can You Detect a Leak in a Hydraulic Pump or Motor?
External Leaks
- Visual inspection – look for fluid pooling, wet spots or stains around fittings, hoses and the pump and motor casing. Note that even fluid pooling can be difficult to spot in muddy environments.
- Listen for hissing or whistling – escaping fluid under pressure may produce an audible sound.
- Check for drips – inspect your hydraulic equipment for drips on the ground or near high-pressure connections and seals.
Internal Leaks
- Drops in pressure – a sudden or consistent drop in system pressure can indicate internal bypassing of fluid.
- Temperature changes – internal hydraulic motor leaks create friction, which can raise the temperature of the component.
- Performance issues – reduced speed, inconsistent motion or decreased force in actuators can indicate fluid isn’t reaching the intended locations.
There are several diagnostic tools you can use, including flow meters, pressure gauges or thermal imaging, to pinpoint leaks that aren’t visible externally.
Leak Prevention Tips
By maintaining your hydraulic motors and pumps, you can help prevent leaks from occurring. Fortunately, as a closed system, hydraulics are designed to run for years with little maintenance. However, that doesn’t mean you should skimp on a solid maintenance strategy.
Before use, you should do regular inspection of the motor and pump casings, connections and other components. Using a compatible lubricant, seals should also be regularly lubricated to help reduce degradation, and ensuring fittings, screws and torque bolts are correctly tightened is a great way to prevent debris, air and water from contaminating the fluid.
Hydraulic Pump & Motor Repairs With CJ Plant
If you are facing these common signs of hydraulic motor leaks or underperforming pumps, CJ Plant provides repair services for both components.
We have over 20 years of experience providing hydraulic motor repair, from swing motors to radial piston varieties, and can repair hydraulic pumps, ensuring everything is cleaned, sealed and put back together like new. Part of our repair services includes a free strip and inspection, with your repair quote and report provided after, with you having no obligation to follow up on any required work.
Contact CJ Plant if you think your hydraulic pump or motor is leaking or suffering from performance problems, and we’ll help find the problem and repair it promptly.