5 Signs a Hydraulic Filter Needs to Be Replaced

Are you having maintenance issues with your hydraulic system?

Hydraulic filters are critical to the working operation of all kinds of machines. From toys and appliances to cars and aircraft, replacing the filter when necessary can prevent breakdowns and costly repairs later.

To prevent this from happening, you need to keep tabs on the filters in your system. Keep reading to learn more about hydraulic filter replacement and the signs that need to be serviced.

Table of Contents

1. Appears Murky or Has an Unpleasant Odor

Signs a hydraulic filter needs to be replaced can sometimes be hard to detect, however, one of the most common signs is the hydraulic fluid in the system appearing murky or having an unpleasant odor.

When the hydraulic filter gets clogged, the filter will block as much as 99.9% of the particles larger than 2-3 microns in size, causing the fluid to look murky and have a bad smell.

2. Frequent Increased Pressure Readings

If a hydraulic system’s pressure readings are showing frequent increases, this strongly indicates that the hydraulic filter may need to be replaced.

A worn or clogged filter will not be able to properly screen out impurities in the system, which can cause the fluid pressure to increase. The increased strain can cause system components to wear prematurely, reducing the system’s overall efficiency.

3. Frequent Filter Changes and Short Filter Life

Frequent filter changes and short filter life can tell you that the filter in your hydraulic system needs a replacement. These signs can become evident through inhibited system performance, such as:

slower operation
loss of production
higher-than-expected costs

Other signs include decreased pressure, frequent line blockages, and surging. Additionally, your maintenance staff may notice excessive lubricant concentrations, as that sign indicates that the filter is no longer capturing contaminants as it once did.

4. Working Hours Reached as Prescribed by the Manufacturer

The lifespan of a hydraulic filter depends upon the working hours that the filter has operated under as prescribed by the manufacturer. As the filter accumulates working hours, it must be regularly checked and replaced when its working hours have been exceeded.

If a filter is not replaced upon the attainment of its prescribed working hours, the filter can become brittle and clogged and cause hydraulic system malfunctions. Consider Takeuchi parts if you want to replace the hydraulic filter.

5. Hydraulic Oil Filter Indicator Shows Red

A red hydraulic oil filter indicator is a sure sign that the filter needs to be replaced. This is due to the increase in pressure inside the filter caused by the accumulation of dirt and wear particles that can reduce fluid flow through the filter.

As a result of the increased pressure, more force is needed to move fluid through the clogged filter, causing it to become less efficient and less effective at trapping particles and contaminants.

Explore About a Hydraulic Filter Today

It is important to regularly inspect your hydraulic filter to ensure it is functioning correctly.

Signs that an immediate filter replacement must include dirty, discolored lubricant, audible whining or whistling noises, and an increased pressure drop in the system.

If you suspect your filter may need to be replaced, contact a professional for an assessment and filter replacement.

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