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Most Common RV Slide Out Problems. RV slideout problems have plagued all of us at one point or another. We help you understand the most common RV slide out problems, what can you do about them, and how you can prevent future slide-out issues.

Here are a few tips and insights on what you can do to diagnose your RV slide out problems. This will help you determine if it"s a problem you can tackle on your own or if you should call for help.

If your slideout does not move at all when you operate the slideout control switch, and you do not hear the motor or the pump running, then the first thing to check is the switch itself.

Check your power center fuses and breakers to make sure there are no issues there. Most slides operate on 12-volt power. But when experiencing issues, some manufacturers suggest the coach be plugged into shore power or have the generator running to provide the correct power to the slide motors.

If your slide operates on 12-volt power and you are not plugged into shore power or a generator, check your battery"s state of charge and make sure it is above 12.0 volts. It should be above 12.4 volts to ensure proper operation.

If you have confirmed that your switch functions properly and you operate your slideout switch, and there is no movement in the slide, you should check your slideout electric motors for power.

Find the motor that operates your slideout and check the wiring. You may need to disconnect the motor"s wiring and have an assistant operate the switch while you check the voltage at the motor with a multi-meter.

If your slideouts are hydraulicly operated, and you activate your slideout switch, and there is no movement in the slide, you should check your slideout motor and pump.

Find the hydraulic pump that operates your slideout and check the wiring. You may need to disconnect the motor"s wiring and have an assistant operate the switch while you check the voltage at the motor with a multi-meter.

You will need to trace the hydraulic lines from the pump to the operating rams to see if you can find a leak in the system. Check your owner"s manual to see specifics about your hydraulic system.

It is also possible that one of the hydraulic valve actuators has failed. In this case, the pump will run, but no fluid is reaching the ram to extend/retract the slide. The actuators can be manually turned with a screwdriver or an Allen wrench to open or close them. You can try to operate them manually but be very careful; they are precise valves and can be easily damaged if you attempt to force them open or closed.

If your electric motor runs but the slideout doesn"t move, you will need to do more diagnosis on the slide mechanism itself. It may be cable or gear driven.

You will need an assistant to work the control while you examine the drive system to see if you can determine the issue. Because there are so many different types of slide mechanisms, we cannot give specifics, and additional research will be needed for your specific slide.

There may be more types out there, so check your manual or call your manufacturer or dealer to determine exactly which type you have. There may be multiple types of slides on the same camper. Manufacturers may even use different slide types on different models in the same brand.

Each slide mechanism has a way to know when it is fully open or closed. Here again, you will need specific information about your slide mechanism to understand how it handles opening and closing limits. Another possible cause is that your slide is out of time or your electronic controllers have lost their programming.

Slides are complex mechanisms and must be carefully adjusted to ensure smooth movement and alignment from top to bottom and side to side. You can make basic alignment adjustments, but I highly suggest that you leave this to a professional unless you have the proper skills and experience.

Due to the different types of slide mechanisms, you will have to find the manufacturer"s recommendations for the type, quantity, and lubrication frequency needed for the actual mechanism.

Use the above information to help diagnose the issue you are having with your slideout. You may not be able to fix it yourself, but you will be better informed trying to understand what is going on. Also, this information will be very valuable when you talk to an RV technician or service advisor.

Uncomfortable with the diagnostic steps listed above? As stated above, there are many different types of slideout systems that are used in an RV. Slideouts are complicated systems that require knowledge of electronics and mechanical principles that would allow you to diagnose and then repair the system.

Study your owner"s manual to understand what they say about the slide system in your RV. They may include some basic maintenance, diagnosis, and repair information.

Call your dealer and discuss with the service advisor about your particular issue. They may be able to help diagnose your issue over the phone. They may be able to provide mobile service if needed. If all else fails and you are far from home, consider using a mobile RV repair service.

I sincerely hope this doesn"t happen to you, but if your slide won"t close, there is usually a procedure to manually retract the slide. This process will be unique to each type of slide, so here again, you will need to go to your RV owner"s manual or check with the slide manufacturer to get the exact operation instructions.

The exception to this may be the huge, full wall slides that require a powerful motor to create enough force to move a slide that weighs several thousand pounds.

You may need to bypass the controller for these slides and create a jumper connection from a 12-volt battery directly to the motor. Reversing the polarity should change the direction that the motor turns, so if it moves the wrong way at first, switch how connected the wires to the motor.

Slides are wonderful inventions that help make your RV much more livable inside. But they must be cared for and maintained to keep them functioning properly.

Fixing a slide mechanism may not be something everyone can do. So we suggest taking your RV to your dealer for maintenance or repair of your slide-outs.

Don"t extend or retract your slides when your RV isn"t level. It puts a lot of extra strain on the motors and systems when they move against gravity!!

Don"t have people sitting or standing on the slide when they are moving. If possible, remove items from the slide that add a lot of weight when extending or retracting slides.

If you have slide toppers and camped in rain or snow, you may still need to clear off your slide toppers. Don"t make your slide motors do any extra work.

Power tools are great! If possible, learn how you can retract your slides with a drill to operate the mechanism. Hand cranking the slides will take a long time.

We were parked quite close to our host"s home, and due to noise concerns, we didn"t want to disturb them by running the generator all night. In the morning, when getting ready to leave, we started to retract the slide, but it moved only an inch or two and then stopped. It would not move in or out after that.

After several hours of troubleshooting we finally called the Newmar emergency helpline. We learned a very valuable lesson about electronic slide controllers.

It seems that the controllers get confused when operating on low voltage. Because we were boondocking using the inverter overnight, and we let the batteries get too low. Even after starting the generator to recharge the batteries, the slide would not move.

So we disconnected all the cables from the controller for 2 minutes, then reconnected everything. The slide was then able to move. We ran the slide in and out twice to reset the stop limits and confirm its operation.

Slideouts are usually very reliable. They need to be installed and adjusted correctly to function smoothly. And as with any mechanical component, they require periodic maintenance and adjustment.

Many reasons might cause a slideout not to move. It could be a power issue, a motor failure, or slide mechanical failure. You really need to diagnose the issues to determine the cause and then determine your next steps.

Can you? Yes. Should you? Absolutely not. Stay at your location and get a mobile technician to come to you if possible. If you can"t do that, call your RV manufacturer and have them walk you through the manual closing of the slide or get their recommendation on what to do for your specific situation.

Driving with a slide fully extended should only be done as a last resort. Most RVs are as wide as legally allowed on our roads when the slides are closed. Some slides only extend 12 inches, while others could be 24 inches or more. Traveling in this manner is very dangerous to both you and the other vehicles around you.

You should also consider the structural stress you will be placing on the RV, both from the wind resistance hitting the slide and from the bouncing and jostling experienced on our great roads.

In general, yes. Most slides operate on 12 volts so that they can be operated when boondocking without shore power. The main issue here is to make sure your batteries are fully charged.

Low voltage can damage motors and control units, so your results may be unpredictable. Always check the state of your batteries before you try to open or close your slides. If possible, hook up to shore power or run your generator before operating your slides to ensure a supply of good power.

Resetting a slide is sometimes very simple, but you need to know the procedure for your specific slide mechanism. Look in your owner"s manual and determine the brand of slide mechanism you have.

If the reset procedure is not in the manual, do an internet search such as "Shwintek slide controller reset procedure" You will also have to find where your slide controllers are located so that you can gain access to the wiring to perform the reset.

RV Hacks: the Most common RV Slideout Problems. RV slideout issues have plagued all of us at one point or another. Helpful diagnosis tips & tricks - we help you understand the most common RV slide-out problems, what you can do about them, and how you can prevent future slide-out issues. #RVhacks #rvliving #RVslideouts #RVhowto #rvcamping #RVbasics #RVtipsandtricks #seekingthervlife

Slideout awnings are a popular accessory to use in the RV. And they can help avoid having debris and dirt pulled into the interior space. They can deflect rain and sun when they are extended.

Protect the slide-out and RV from water, debris, and elemental damage. With the electrical integration features, opening a slide room can just be easy. The slideout awnings really work well.

RV slide-outs are terrific. They add space for storage, living, or relaxing and they help to make the cramped space of an RV into a livable home on wheels. The benefits to having a slide-out in your RV are obvious but when they don"t work as well as they should, it"s time to get the parts you need to make them work again.

You park your RV and you want to enjoy some space. For most fixed RVs, you have what you haveóthe walls donít move and the rooms donít extend. With RV slide-outs, that all changes. The extra room provides more comfort and more of a home-like atmosphere. The extra storage is great for maintaining a full lifestyle, even while camping.

An RV slide-out is a section of a room in your RV that extends outward by flipping a switch or pushing a button. A slide-out offers the luxury of extending your living space and then retracting when you are ready to move on.

Storage. Having additional living space at a momentís notice isnít just important for legroom slides. It also allows you to use other areas in the RV for storage. This makes the overall space more convenient and efficient.

Ease. If you use your RV on the road less frequently, youíll find that using the slide-outs is easy and you donít have to do much extra work to maintain them.

Inconvenience- If you frequently switch between living and traveling, youíll have to spend more time with slide-outs. Getting them packed in and re-extended on every trip can start to feel like a hassle.

Maintenance- Slideouts donít just happen by accident. Theyíre the result of inner mechanics that need to be properly maintained in order to continue working. There are multiple types of slide-out mechanismsóincluding electric screw-type extenders and electric gear motorsóand youíll want to be sure to read up on whichever type you have. Youíll also has to make sure that all gears are in proper condition, lubricated, and ready to go at a momentís notice. Recommended using super-strong synthetic material to reduce friction and increased slideout life.

Electric slide systems use an electric motor to drive a sliding gear or cable, which expands and retracts the slide. Theyíre typically used on smaller, lighter slides and are less expensive and less complicated than hydraulic systems. Theyíre is also pretty easy to override if something goes wrong. Common issues with electric slides include overloaded motors, the gearbox breaking, and drag during use. Electric motor-driven slide-out mechanisms include rack and pinion, cable, Schwintek, and the not-so-common power gear.

Rack and pinion slides are one of the oldest, most common, and most affordable systems out there. To open and close the slide, pinions spin over racks with teeth or holes that are installed along the bottom of the slide. For slide-out fitting professional installation is recommended.

The system is floor flush capable, much more wall flush compared to cable slides, and allows for taller ceilings since the mechanism doesn"t have to be hidden on the inside of the vehicle"s wall. However, rack and pinion slides are much heavier than cable slides and require lubrication to function properly.

Cable slides are the most expensive slide-out systems available. They consist of cables and pulleys that pull the slide out and in. Cable slides are very lightweight but can support big, heavy, deep slides are extremely reliable with some of the best service records. They donít encounter many corrosion issues either and can be RV floor flush.

The downside of cable slides is that the mechanism is installed inside the camper wall above the slide, which causes it to ìstick intoî the RV a few extra inches. That means the ceiling in the slide-out will be a little bit lower and it could be more challenging for end-users to layout the RV and choose furniture.

These slides have a bad reputation in the RV industry, potentially due to their improper use. Schwintek slides are very inexpensive systems, but they were designed to support low loads and shallow slides like a closet or sofa. According to the above video, RV designers started using them in 16-foot-long slide-outs, which are intended to support multiple or large pieces of furniture, to reduce the price of their RVs for consumers. However, the slidesí motors started failing because of the deep slides and extra weight.

Schwintek slides work by using worm gears and rails mounted on the top and bottom of the sides of the slide-out to roll the slide out and in. This slide mechanism is not floor flush capable; it only moves in and out in a straight line but it is self-aligning, which is great if it gets bumped out of place. Schwintek slides are above-floor slides, which allows for the main deck to be carpetless, and the mechanism doesnít have to be hidden inside the RV, freeing up some extra space.

Power gear slides are the fastest moving electric motor-driven slide but are very uncommon. Theyíre lightweight, very close to wall flush, and ideal for slides that would be too heavy for Schwintek systems to support.

Hydraulic slides are typically used in large, heavy slides that hold things like kitchens and living rooms. Within the system, a motor-driven hydraulic pump uses hydraulic fluid to drive rams that push the slides out and in. The direction is controlled by a combination of valves.

Hydraulic slides move much faster than electric motor-driven slides and are less expensive if you have more than one slide out since the system only requires one motor. However, hydraulic slides are much more complex and parts of the system, like the valves, pump, and hydraulic line, can fail due to excessive heat or wear.

Choose this product that can be so easy to install. This features dependable protection, dependable performance, easy installation, and elegant styling. Extend it automatically with the slide room. This also prevents billowing because of its built-in automatic roller lock. Like it more as it keeps dirt, debris, and leaves off of your slideout. Your slide room will be kept cleaner and cooler.

Integrate this slideout awning with the window and patio awnings for a modern, unified, and sleek look. This also works automatically with the slideout and protects it from dirt, debris, and water when extended. What makes it lasting and durable are the wind cover and deflector, bracket assemblies, and roller tube. This also comes in white standard vinyl color. The end caps and brackets are also white in color with a white cover and wind deflector.

This one is the newest slide awning from the Carefree manufacturer. You’ll like it more for its additional benefits and features. It also blends smoothly with the coach wall. It gives out a uniform look in the entirety of the RV.

Solera Sliders is one of the best choices for slideout awnings. This is economical and attractive protection for your slide-out. This can block bird droppings, debris and branches, and leaves. This also automatically extends and retracts with slide-out. This can fit slides that can range from 66 inches to 192 inches. And this extends up to 48 inches. This is complete with all the mounting brackets and awning rails. Just choose whether you like acrylic fabric and multiple vinyl colors.

Are you tired of dealing with RV slide out issues during your travels? These malfunctions are unfortunately a common problem among RV owners. But don’t let them dampen your adventures. In this guide, we take a closer look at the most common slide out problems and offer practical solutions to help you overcome them. From understanding your rights under lemon laws, to troubleshooting tips, we’ve got you covered. It’s time to tackle those slide out problems and get back to enjoying your travels.

RV slide outs bring added comfort and convenience to your travels, but they can also be a source of frustration when problems arise. From lack of lubrication to leaks, burnout motors to power failure, the most common slide out issues can be challenging to diagnose and repair. While some problems may be easy to fix, others require the expertise of a professional RV mechanic.

In this guide, we delve into the most common RV slide out problems and provide in-depth analysis and practical solutions to help you get back on the road with ease.7 Most Common RV Slide Out Problems & How To Fix

The slide outs run through a switch that relays the power. When you use this switch, you can push the slide in or out, during normal operation. If the switch doesn’t work, nothing happens when the button is pushed. You also won’t hear the motor or pump run.

If your RV has several slide outs, you can try another of the switches to examine what happens. If the other switches aren’t working, there’s a larger electrical issue, which we will talk about more in a minute.

A lack of power can affect all parts of the slide out system. Without enough power, you may not be capable of running the pumps, motors or any of the controls.

If the switch is working correctly and you’ve ruled out a power issue, the slideout motor may have failed. Locate the electrical motors. Check all of the wiring for a poor connection. If any of the wiring is damaged, it needs to be replaced.

You can also use your multimeter to check voltage of the motor. Depending on the type of motor you have, the voltage readout will be different, so you want to reference the service manual.

With the slide outs in the extended position and the leveling legs down, your RV reservoir should be at a low level. On the other hand, with the slide outs in and the leveling system up, your RV reservoir will be closer to the full mark.

If you fill-up the hydraulic fluid but it continues to go down, there’s a leak somewhere in the system. Trace all the hydraulic lines, starting at the pump, looking for any fluid that is dripping out. Once you find the leak, you can replace the offending line.

One of the more common issues with the RV slide out system is a lack of lubrication. Proper lubrication is necessary to keep the slide moving in and out easily.

Sometimes, you can simply spray some WD-40 on the trouble spot to get things moving. Just make sure you don’t force a sticking slide out into place or you could damage the rail system.

If anything gets into the mechanical slide out operation, it can cause failure. Plenty of dirt and debris can build up around the slideout and prevent it from functioning properly.

Troubleshooting the slide out problems isn’t difficult if you have a little time and patience. Start by reading through our most common RV slide out complaints listed above to see which might fit what you are experiencing.

With that information, you can narrow down the problem. Even if you can’t figure it out or fix it, the information you discover will be invaluable when talking to the repair technician.

RV slide outs have come a long way over the years. They are more reliable now than they have ever been before. However, problems still need to be worked out at times.

The good news is that if you take care of the RV slides, there are fewer problems. With proper RV slide maintenance, you can keep the system running at its best, just as you do when you prefer regular maintenance on your car.

You won’t be capable of muscling the slide outs back into play by sheer force alone. Not only that, but you don’t ever want to force anything as more damage can occur.

Once the RV slide has reached its destination, reattach the brake assembly to the motor. Tighten all the screws to ensure the slide out doesn’t move independently.

If you need to bring in the slide manually, start by referencing the owner’s manual for instructions. The steps should be similar to what was listed above for putting the slide out. They may look something like this:

Once the RV slide has reached its closed position, reattach the brake assembly to the motor. Tighten all of the screws to ensure the slide out doesn’t move on its own.

It’s simple to reset the slide, but you should look at the service manual for procedures related to your particular RV. If you don’t see any information, you can always search online for the brand name and “slide controller reset procedure.”

RV slideouts provide a lot more room within the vehicle. When the slide is out, you quickly increase the living space within the RV. However, these slides are not without problems. At any moment, you can find yourself dealing with an RV slide out issue that’s beyond your understanding.

Have the slide out repaired as quickly as possible to ensure maximum enjoyment of your RV. If you’ve been unable to have the problem repaired up to your standards, it may be time to look into some RV lemon laws for compensation.

It’s obvious why RV slides ‒ also known as slide outs, pop outs or bump outs ‒ would be beneficial additions to any recreational vehicle. Who wouldn’t want more space in their home on wheels, right? But, understanding the differences between the types of slide out mechanisms is just as important so you can design the right RV that meets the needs and wants of your customers. Read on to learn about the differences between electric and hydraulic slides, their pros and cons, and how to prevent damage to moving cables.

Electric slide systems use an electric motor to drive a slide gear or cable, which expands and retracts the slide. They’re typically used on smaller, lighter slides and are less expensive and less complicated than hydraulic systems. They’re also pretty easy to override if something goes wrong. Common issues with electric slides include overloaded motors, the gearbox breaking, and drag during use.

Rack and pinion slides are one of the oldest, most common and most affordable systems out there. To open and close the slide, pinions spin over racks with teeth or holes that are installed along the bottom of the slide.

The system is floor flush capable, much more wall flush compared to cable slides (discussed below), and allow for taller ceilings since the mechanism doesn"t have to be hidden on the inside of the vehicle"s wall. However, rack and pinion slides are much heavier than cable slides and require lubrication to function properly.

Cable slides are very lightweight but can support big, heavy, deep slides, and, according to the above video, are extremely reliable with some of the best service records. They don’t encounter many corrosion issues either and can be floor flush.

The downside of cable slides is that the mechanism is installed inside the camper wall above the slide, which causes it to “stick into” the RV a few extra inches. That means the ceiling in the slide out will be a little bit lower and it could be more challenging for end users to lay out the RV and choose furniture.

These slides have a bad reputation in the RV industry, potentially due to their improper use. Schwintek slides are very inexpensive systems, but they were designed to support low loads and shallow slides like a closet or sofa. According to the above video, RV designers started using them in 16-foot-long slide outs, which are intended to support multiple or large pieces of furniture, to reduce the price of their RVs for consumers. However, the slides’ motors started failing because of the deep slides and extra weight.

Schwintek slides work by using worm gears and rails mounted on the top and bottom of the sides of the slide out to roll the slide out and in. This slide mechanism is not floor flush capable ‒ it only moves in and out in a straight line ‒ but it is self-aligning, which is great if it gets bumped out of place. Schwintek slides are an above-floor slide, which allows for the main deck to be carpetless, and the mechanism doesn’t have to be hidden inside the RV, freeing up some extra space.

Power gear slides are the fastest moving electric motor driven slide but very uncommon. They’re lightweight, very close to wall flush, and ideal for slides that would be too heavy for Schwintek systems to support.

Hydraulic slides are typically used in large, heavy slides that hold things like kitchens and living rooms. Within the system, a motor-driven hydraulic pump uses hydraulic fluid to drive rams that push the slides out and in. The direction is controlled by a combination of valves.

Hydraulic slides move much faster than electric motor driven slides and are less expensive if you have more than one slide out since the system only requires one motor. However, hydraulic slides are much more complex and parts of the system, like the valves, pump and hydraulic line, can fail due to excessive heat or wear.

As you know, there are a lot of moving parts on a slide out, including lines and cables for water, gas, power, etc. It"s important to make sure that these lines and cables are properly aligned and free to move with the slide out, or else they could get pinched. Pinching a 120V line, for example, could cause an electrical short inside of an RV, so it"s best to avoid dangerous situations like that by keeping cables safe with cable carriers.

igus® offers highly engineered plastic cable carriers that are quick and easy to fill. They"re also dirt resistant, available with interior separators, and guaranteed to last for 36 months. Visit our webpage to learn more or contact an igus® expert with any questions. You can also check out some of our other self-lubricating, maintenance-free solutions for the RV industry here.

I have a Beaver (Monaco) - there are four hydraulic slides on it (all made by HWH but different models). Five slides actually if you count the generator slide out.

I"m not sure you will find a full wall slide or large slide (living room/kitchen, etc.) with an electric motor slide out. Bedroom slide out rooms are more typical for electric motors since they are much lighter and can get away with smaller motors and associated wiring.

From the elevator you take at work to the dump truck you see rolling by on the street, hydraulics are everywhere. You may be wondering what hydraulics are. This powerful system drives some of the heaviest pieces of machinery out there. Hydraulics can lift immense loads and operate at high speeds. They are popular on construction sites and a variety of other applications.

There are many types of hydraulic systems with various components, all of which operate under the same principles of energy. Hydraulic pumps pressurize a liquid, and its movement is used to power everything from cranes to cars. In this article, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about hydraulic systems.

You’re probably already familiar with some of the basic ways a hydraulic system works and its components. From your experience, you probably know that solids are typically impossible to squish. If you pick up a solid object like a pen or piece of wood and try to squeeze it, nothing’s going to happen to the materials. They won’t compress or squish. Liquid works in the same way. It is incompressible, meaning it won’t squeeze when you apply pressure to it. It takes up the same amount of space as it did when pressure wasn’t applied to it. Picture water in a syringe. If you cap the end of it with your finger and try to press down, neither the water nor the plunger will go anywhere.

Where hydraulic systems are concerned, that incompressibility is a major player in making them work. In that same syringe, if you press down on the plunger normally, you’ll release the water at high speed through the narrow end, even if you didn’t apply that much pressure. When you push down the plunger, you apply pressure to the water, which will try to escape however it can — in this case, at high pressure through a very narrow exit. This application shows us that we can multiply force, which we can then use to power more complex devices.

In a very simplified system, a hydraulic system is made with piping that has a weight or piston on one end to compress the liquid. As this weight depresses onto the liquid, it forces it out of a much narrower pipe at the other end. The water doesn’t squish down and instead pushes itself through the pipe and out the narrow end at high speed. This system works in reverse as well. If we apply a force to the narrow end for a longer distance, it will generate a force capable of moving something much heavier on the other end.

There is a little bit of a trade-off with this system. You can typically apply more force or more speed to one end to see the opposite result on the other. For example, if you press down on the narrow end with high speed and low force, you’ll apply high force but low speed to the wide end. The distance your narrow end can travel would also influence how far the wide one will move. Trading distance and force is typical in many systems, and hydraulics are no exception.

The multiplication of force is an influential factor in lifting heavy objects. If the piston in the broader side is six times the size of the smaller one, then the force applied to the fluid from the larger piston will be six times as powerful on the smaller end. For example, a 100-pound force down at the wider end creates a 600-pound force up at the narrow end. This force multiplication is what allows hydraulic systems to be relatively small. They are great for powering huge machines without taking up too much space.

Hydraulics can also be very flexible, and there are many different types of hydraulic systems. You can move the fluids through very narrow pipes and snake them around other equipment. They have a variety of sizes and shapes and can even branch off into multiple paths, allowing one piston to power several others. Car brakes are usually an example of this. The brake pedal activates two master cylinders, each of which reaches two brake pads, one for all wheels. You can find hydraulics powering a variety of components through cylinders, pumps, presses, lifts and motors.

Reservoir: Hydraulic systems usually use a reservoir to hold excess fluid and power the mechanism. It is important to cool the fluid, using metal walls to release the heat generated from all the friction it encounters. An unpressurized reservoir can also allow trapped air to leave the liquid, which helps efficiency. Since air compresses, it can divert the movement from the pistons and make the system work less efficiently.

Fluid: Hydraulic fluids can vary, but they are typically petroleum, mineral- or vegetable-based oils. The fluids can have different properties based on their application. Brake fluid, for example, needs to have a high boiling point due to the high-heat mechanism it goes through. Other features include lubrication, radiation resistance and viscosity.

Engine: This is usually gasoline-powered and allows the hydraulic system to work. In big machines, this needs to be capable of generating a lot of power.

Pump: The hydraulic oil pump sends a flow of oil through the valve and to the hydraulic cylinder. Pump efficiency is often measured in gallons per minute and pounds per square inch (psi).

Other machines that make use of hydraulics include vehicles on construction sites. Diggers, cranes, bulldozers and excavators can all be run by robust hydraulic systems. A digger, for example, powers its massive arm with hydraulic-powered rams. The fluid is pumped into the thin pipes, lengthening the rams and, by extension, the arm. The hydraulic power behind this can be used to lift enormous loads. Aside from construction machines, hydraulics are used for everything from elevators to motors, even in airplane controls.

In an open system, the pump is always working, moving oil through the pipes without building up pressure. Both the inlet to the pump and the return valve are hooked up to a hydraulic reservoir. These are also called “open center” systems, because of the open central path of the control valve when it is neutral. In this case, hydraulic fluid returns to the reservoir. The fluid coming from the pump goes to the device and then returns to the reservoir. There may also be a relief valve in the circuit to route any excess fluid to the reservoir. Filters are usually in place to keep the fluid clean.

Open systems tend to be better for low-pressure applications. They also tend to be cheaper and easier to maintain. One caution is that they can create excess heat in the system if the pressure exceeds valve settings. Another location for added heat is in the reservoir, which needs to be big enough to cool the fluid running through it. Open systems can also use multiple pumps to supply power to different systems, such as steering or control.

A closed system connects the return valve directly to the hydraulic pump inlet. It uses a single central pump to move the fluid in a continuous loop. A valve also blocks oil from the pump, instead sending it to an accumulator where it stays pressurized. Oil remains under pressure but doesn’t move unless it is activated. A charge pump supplies cool, filtered oil to the low-pressure side. This step maintains pressure within the loop. A closed system is often used in mobile applications with hydrostatic transmissions and uses one pump to power multiple systems.

These can have smaller reservoirs because they just need to have enough fluid for the charge pump, which is relatively small. An open system can handle more high-pressure applications. The closed system offers a bit more flexibility than an open system, but that also comes with a slightly higher price tag and more complex repair. Closed systems can work with less fluid in smaller hydraulic lines, and the valves can be used to reverse the direction of the flow.

Almost all hydraulic pumps are positive displacement pumps, meaning they deliver a precise amount of fluid. They can be used in high-power applications of over 10,000 psi. Non-positive displacement pumps depend on pressure for the amount of fluid they move, while positive displacement pumps do not. Non-positive pumps are more common in pneumatics and low-pressure applications. They include centrifugal and axial pumps.

A gearpump is inexpensive and more tolerant of fluid contamination, making them suitable for rough environments. They may be less efficient, however, and wear more quickly.

External gear pumps: These make use of two tight-meshed gears within a housing. One is the driving, or powered, gear, while the other is driven, or free-flowing. The fluid is trapped in the space in between the gears and rotated through the housing. Since it cannot move backward, it is forced through the outlet pump.

Internal gear pump: The internal gear design places an inner gear, possibly with a crescent-shaped spacer, inside of an outer rotor gear. The fluid is moved via eccentricity — the deviation of the gear from circularity — between the gears. The inner gear, with fewer teeth, turns the outer gear, and the spacer goes in between them to create a seal. The fluid is drawn in, moved through the gears, sealed up and discharged.

Unbalanced vane pump: This fixed displacement pump has a driven rotor and vanes that slide out in radial slots. The rotor’s level of eccentricity determines the level of displacement. As it rotates, the space between the vanes increases, creating a vacuum to draw fluid in. The trapped fluid moves around the system via the rotating vanes and is pushed out as the space between them decreases.

Balanced vane pump: The balanced vane pump, also fixed displacement, moves the rotor through an elliptical cam ring. It uses two inlets and outlets on each revolution.

Variable-displacement vane pump: The displacement in this type of pump can change via the eccentricity between the rotor and casing. The outer casing ring is moveable.

In-line axial piston pumps: In-line pumps align the center of the cylinder block with the center of the driveshaft. The angle of the swash/cam plate helps to determine the amount of displacement. The inlet and outlet are located in the valve plate, which connects to each cylinder alternately. As the piston moves up past the inlet port, it pulls in fluid from the reservoir. Similarly, it will push the liquid out of the outlet port as it passes it.

Bent-axis axial piston pumps: The bent-axis pumps line the center of the cylinder block at an angle with the center of the drive shaft. This design works similarly to the in-line axial pump.

Radial piston pumps: A radial piston pump uses seven or nine radial barrels, along with a reaction ring, pintle and driveshaft. The pistons are set radially around the drive shaft, and inlet and outlet ports are in the pintle, a type of hinge.

Now that you know what hydraulics are, you can see that hydraulics have vast applications and can be used in all sorts of different components of the machinery that runs construction, transportation and more. You may even be able to think of some hydraulic system examples of your own now. The power of water has been used for centuries, and now, with the help of valves, pistons and cylinders, hydraulics can run in a variety of different formats. Open and closed, fixed or variable, positive and non-positive — all of these can move massive weights and take advantage of modern engineering. If you run any sort of business, you may be able to put hydraulics to work for you.

At Hard Chrome Specialists, we offer repair services on all types of hydraulic systems as well as plating, electropolishingand custom fabrication. We hope you’ve learned something new today about how hydraulics work and understand a little more about this incredibly powerful system. If you want to learn more about hydraulics, contact us today!