Key Takeaways:
A sudden drop in cavity pressure or loss of the oil film is the key early warning in hydrostatic systems. Learn the common causes—filtration, supply, restrictor—and the first checks to make.
The Film Is the Diagnostic
In a hydrostatic system, the oil film is both the bearing and the health indicator. A sudden drop in cavity pressure, rising flow with falling load capacity, or visible vibration all signal that the film is no longer stable.

Common Causes
- Filter clogging reducing supply flow (service the filter, typically ~every 500 h).
- Oil contamination breaching the 3–10 μm film (verify NAS 5 cleanliness).
- Restrictor fault or air ingestion lowering cavity pressure.
- Temperature drift moving the oil out of the 35±5°C band.
First Response
Check supply pressure, filter condition, oil cleanliness, and temperature before touching the bearing. Because accuracy depends on the film, restoring oil quality and supply stability resolves most faults without stripping the machine.