External oil leaks

Often caused by:

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• Worn or damaged seals

• Rod surface damage

• Incorrect assembly or previous repair issues

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Leaks usually indicate seal failure, but the underlying cause must be addressed to prevent repeat issues.

Internal bypass or loss of holding pressure

Symptoms include:

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• Cylinder drifting under load

• Inability to hold position

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Common causes are worn seals, barrel wear, or piston damage.

Scored or pitted rods

Rod damage is frequently caused by:

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• Contamination

• Stone or debris impact

• Corrosion

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Damaged rods rapidly destroy new seals if not repaired.

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Barrel wear or scoring

Internal barrel damage can prevent seals from functioning correctly and may require honing or further repair.

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Bent or misaligned components

Misalignment can cause:

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• Uneven seal wear

• Binding or poor movement

• Premature failure

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Straightness and alignment are checked during inspection.

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Damaged threads, glands or mountings

Thread damage and worn mountings are common on heavily used equipment and can often be repaired or salvaged rather than replaced.

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Poor or uneven cylinder movement

Often linked to:

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• Internal damage

• Seal failure

• Contamination or wear

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Correct diagnosis requires full strip-down and inspection.