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Common Hydraulic Cylinder Problems (and How to Fix Them)

AG Hydraulic Cylinders

If you’ve been searching hydraulic repair near me or “hydraulic cylinder repair shops near me”, chances are you’re dealing with a frustrating hydraulic issue that’s causing delays—or worse, equipment failure. Hydraulic cylinders are essential components in a wide range of machinery, especially in mining, agriculture, and heavy industry. When they go down, operations grind to a halt.

Understanding the most common hydraulic cylinder problems—and knowing where to get fast, reliable hydraulic repair services—can save you time, money, and headaches. In this article, we explore typical symptoms, causes, and how expert hydraulic repair services near you can help.

Why Hydraulic Cylinder Repairs Are So Important

Hydraulic cylinders must handle high pressures and operate under harsh conditions. Even a minor issue, like a leaking seal or corroded rod, can escalate into a major failure if left unchecked.

At Gerrard Hydraulics, we’ve been supporting Australia’s industrial and agricultural sectors since 1978. We offer comprehensive hydraulic repair services across Western Australia—from hydraulic cylinder repairs in Perth to full re-manufacturing, and testing.

Common Hydraulic Cylinder Problems

Here are the most frequent issues we see in our hydraulic cylinder repair shop and what might be causing them:

1. Seal Failure

One of the most common hydraulic cylinder issues. Seals degrade over time due to:

  • Heat and pressure cycles
  • Fluid contamination
  • Incorrect installation
  • Wear and tear

Symptoms: External leakage, cylinder drift, and reduced performance.

Fix: Seal replacement by a hydraulic cylinder repair service that understands proper sizing and material selection.

 

2. Fluid Contamination

Contaminants like dirt, water, and metal particles can enter the system, damaging internal components.

Symptoms: Abnormal noise, sluggish movement, or seal failure.

Fix: Replace contaminated fluid, clean internal parts, and install proper filtration. Regular fluid analysis can prevent this altogether.

 

3. Piston Rod Damage or Bending

This usually results from side loading, impacts, or operating the cylinder outside of design specs.

Symptoms: Misalignment, jerky movement, and seal wear.

Fix: Rod replacement. In some cases, re-chroming may restore surface integrity.

 

4. Corrosion

Hydraulic cylinders are prone to corrosion when exposed to water, humidity, or chemicals. Even minor pitting can lead to failure.

Symptoms: Leaks, scoring, or sticking.

Fix: Replace or recondition the corroded part. Our team at Gerrard Hydraulics can remanufacture corroded barrels and rods to original specifications.

 

5. Cylinder Bore Scoring

Scoring occurs when debris or a bent rod scrapes the inside of the cylinder.

Symptoms: Increased wear, leakage, or complete cylinder failure.

Fix: Re-honing the cylinder bore or complete barrel replacement.

 

6. Cylinder Drift

This is when a cylinder moves without command, often due to internal leaks from worn or damaged seals.

Symptoms: Load moves or sinks without operator input.

Fix: Internal inspection and resealing.

 

7. Hydraulic Cylinder Leaks

Both internal and external leaks are common signs of system failure. If you’ve been Googling “how to fix a leaking hydraulic cylinder” or “hydraulic cylinder leak repair”, the issue is likely due to:

  • Worn seals
  • Cracked fittings
  • Damaged cylinder housing

Fix: A professional hydraulic repair service near you can diagnose whether resealing or full rebuild is needed.

What Causes Hydraulic Cylinder Failure?

Understanding the root cause of hydraulic cylinder failure can help prevent recurring issues:

    • Over-pressurization and pressure spikes
  • Excessive side loads
  • Poor installation and misalignment
  • Contaminated or incorrect hydraulic fluid
  • Operating in extreme temperatures
  • Lack of preventative maintenance

Where to Get Reliable Hydraulic Cylinder Repairs in Australia

If you’re looking for expert hydraulic repair in Perth or hydraulic cylinder repairs near me, Gerrard Hydraulics is your trusted local partner. With decades of experience in hydraulic service repair, we specialise in:

  • Full hydraulic cylinder rebuilds
  • Pressure testing and diagnostics
  • Re-manufacturing worn or damaged components
  • In-shop and on-site hydraulic repair services

Whether you’re in need of hydraulic cylinder leak repair, hydraulic cylinder rod failure diagnostics, or simply routine maintenance, we’re here to help reduce downtime and get your equipment back in action—fast.

Book a Hydraulic Cylinder Repair Near You

Time is money. Don’t let a leaking, damaged, or sluggish cylinder slow your operations down. Call Gerrard Hydraulics on (08) 9455 2344 or visit our Canning Vale workshop for fast, reliable hydraulic repair services in Australia.

Looking for a hydraulic cylinder repair shop near you? Trust the experts at Gerrard Hydraulics—your one-stop solution for hydraulic cylinder repair in Perth and beyond.