5 Signs Your Hydraulic Pump is Underperforming
Last updated: February 2025
Hydraulic pumps are used in a range of industries, including industrial, truck, mobile, and agricultural—just to name a few. Correctly maintained pumps can have long lifespans. However, noticing hydraulic pump failure symptoms can help prevent lengthy delays and production halts should the pump fail.What is the most reliable indication of a faulty hydraulic pump?
Some of the most common signs of hydraulic pump failure are overheating, leaking, lack of power or performance and unusual noises.
No matter what you’re using your hydraulic system for, it’s important to know what to look out for. See below our top 5 signs that your pump is underperforming and may require hydraulic pump repair work to prevent a costly or dangerous pump failure.Hydraulic pump is running slowly
If your hydraulic pump performance has a loss of drive or appears ‘sluggish’ this could be a sign there is something wrong. A lack of performance and efficiency usually indicates a lack of flow, this may be highlighted through slow operation of the application.
Hydraulic pump is making unusual noises
It is normal for a hydraulic pump to make noise, as it’s a working component. However, it shouldn’t make unusual sounds such as loud banging or knocking noises. These types of noises usually indicate there could be air in the system or a lack of fluid. This is a bad sign as starving the pumps of fluid can cause extreme wear and tear on the inners of a hydraulic pump, decreasing the lifespan.
Hydraulic pump is leaking
If you notice fluid around the exterior of the pump, this means that there has been an interior leak which could have been caused by number of issues such as internal cracking or faulty seals etc. It is important to get any leaks checked because leakage can result in reduced pressure and can cause slow performance.
Hydraulic pump is too hot
If the hydraulic system overheats, the fluid running through the hydraulic pump also reaches high working temperatures. Hot fluid can weaken and damage internal seals, causing leaks and cracks. High temperatures and overheating pumps can also cause damage to the oil quality.
Hydraulic pump vibrates
Vibration of a hydraulic pump can be caused due to cavitation, aeration or sometimes re-circulation as a result of low flow. It is normal for pumps to vibrate slightly but excessive vibrating should be noted and looked at.
How to test a faulty hydraulic pump
If you think your hydraulic pump may be failing, we can offer a free inspection report and provide a quote for a repair or new unit. To contact our knowledgeable hydraulic engineers call us on 01924 332491, fill in one of our contact forms or drop into our trade counter at our central Normanton location.
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