If a cylinder is exhibiting jerky movement or squealing, what is the most likely cause?

When a cylinder exhibits jerky movement or squealing, the most likely cause is aeration. Aeration refers to the presence of air bubbles within the hydraulic fluid, which can disrupt the flow and pressure needed for smooth operation of the cylinder. This disruption leads to inconsistent operation, resulting in the jerking motion observed.

The presence of air in the hydraulic system can arise from various sources, including leakage in the hydraulic fluid system or the incorrect implementation of components. In situations where the hydraulic fluid gets aerated, the performance of the cylinder can be compromised, leading not only to a jerky movement but also to noise such as squealing.

Other potential causes, such as oil contamination, incorrect cylinder sizing, or worn seals, may lead to different types of operational issues but are less directly associated with the specific symptoms of jerky movement and squealing. For instance, oil contamination can lead to increased wear or reduced lubricating properties, which may cause slowdowns rather than erratic movement. Similarly, incorrect sizing can lead to inefficiency and operational strain but does not typically result in the jerky behavior described. Worn seals could cause leakage or loss of pressure, influencing cylinder performance, but the jerking and noise would not be their primary indicators.