Do not disassemble a unit unless you are certain that the trouble exists within that unit. Unnecessary disassembly may create conditions which lead to additional trouble, since dirt may enter an open system.
Leaks are a frequent cause of trouble in hydraulic equipment.
Generally, leaks are a result of excessively worn parts, abnormal and con-tinuous vibration, excessively high operating pressures, or faulty or careless assembly. Internal leaks usually result in unsatisfactory operation of the equipment. Large internal leaks are signified by loss of pressure and failure of equipment. While large internal leaks can usually be located by installing pressure gages in various parts of the equipment, the location of small leaks generally requires disassembly and visual inspec-tion of the parts. Internal leaks may result from worn or scored valves, pistons, valve plates or bushings, or improperly fitted or damaged gaskets.