What Causes Hydraulic Cylinder Pressure Relief?
2 Answers
Reasons for hydraulic cylinder pressure relief: First, pressure relief may be caused by damage to the cylinder's own sealing rings, which allows some oil from the inlet pipe to leak into the return pipe, resulting in an inability to build pressure or pressure relief. Another reason could be poor sealing performance of peripheral valves, necessitating the replacement of the corresponding solenoid valve or cartridge valve. Additional information: 1. Definition and function of hydraulic cylinders: A hydraulic cylinder, generally referred to as an oil cylinder, is a hydraulic actuator that converts hydraulic energy into mechanical energy, performing linear reciprocating motion (or swinging motion). When used to achieve reciprocating motion, it can eliminate the need for a reduction device, has no transmission gap, and ensures smooth movement, making it widely used in hydraulic systems of various machinery. 2. Components of a hydraulic cylinder: It mainly consists of a cylinder barrel and cylinder head, piston and piston rod, sealing devices, buffer devices, and exhaust devices. Buffer and exhaust devices depend on specific application scenarios, while other components are essential.
I've been repairing cars for over a decade and have seen plenty of hydraulic cylinder pressure loss issues, mostly caused by seal failures. For instance, piston seals aging, cracking, or wearing out—over time, the rubber becomes brittle and develops leaks, naturally unable to hold pressure. Loose or cracked hydraulic oil pipe connections can also lead to slow oil leakage and pressure loss. Air entering the system is another culprit; bubbles accumulating in the cylinder cause pressure fluctuations during operation. Stuck valves or scratched sealing surfaces are common issues too, as debris clogging control valves can render the entire system ineffective. Large temperature variations cause oil to expand and contract, increasing gaps and resulting in temporary pressure loss. Dirty or water-contaminated oil accelerates wear. I recommend car owners inspect seals and pipes every two years and ensure complete air removal when refilling oil. Address pressure loss immediately upon detection—delaying repairs can soften brakes, endanger safety, and double repair costs. Early intervention saves money and hassle; don't let small issues escalate into major problems.