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The Volvo EW145B is a versatile and powerful wheeled excavator widely utilized across construction, urban infrastructure, and utility projects. Known for its mobility, productivity, and advanced hydraulics, the EW145B is designed to perform well in diverse environments—including high-temperature and dusty conditions. However, issues such as hydraulic malfunction, especially involving critical functions like swinging and travel directions, can impact machine efficiency and uptime. This detailed article discusses the common problems experienced in Volvo EW145B excavators related to hydraulic system failures, the impact of component quality, diagnostic processes, and practical solutions to restore full machine operation.
Typical Hydraulic Problems on Volvo EW145B
The most frequent hydraulic issues seen on the EW145B involve loss of function in crucial working movements, such as inability to swing the upper structure, or failure to move forward or reverse. These symptoms often signal underlying faults in the hydraulic circuit or related control components.
Several factors commonly contribute to hydraulic system malfunction on wheeled excavators like the Volvo EW145B:
In one case at a busy construction site, an EW145B experienced loss of swing and forward travel functions without triggering error codes. The maintenance team replaced a worn main pressure solenoid valve purchased from a local non-OEM supplier, which temporarily improved reverse travel but failed to restore full hydraulic function. Metal particles found in the hydraulic filter highlighted significant pump wear likely due to the prior use of a counterfeit pump. Replacing the pump and solenoid valve with OEM Volvo parts and performing a complete hydraulic flush restored normal operation, preventing further costly damage and downtime.
Summary List of Recommendations for Volvo EW145B Hydraulic Issues
Hydraulic malfunctions in the Volvo EW145B wheeled excavator, particularly involving loss of swing and travel functions, often relate to the quality and condition of the hydraulic pump, solenoid valves, and contamination within the hydraulic system. Using genuine components, maintaining hydraulic fluid cleanliness, and following systematic diagnosis and repair procedures ensures reliable machine operation and extended equipment life. Failure to address metal contamination and component incompatibility can lead to escalating degradation and costly downtime.
Typical Hydraulic Problems on Volvo EW145B
The most frequent hydraulic issues seen on the EW145B involve loss of function in crucial working movements, such as inability to swing the upper structure, or failure to move forward or reverse. These symptoms often signal underlying faults in the hydraulic circuit or related control components.
- Swing malfunction means the upper frame cannot rotate, severely limiting operational scope.
- Failure in forward and reverse travel restricts basic mobility.
- Such problems may be intermittent or persistent and sometimes present without error codes, complicating troubleshooting.
Several factors commonly contribute to hydraulic system malfunction on wheeled excavators like the Volvo EW145B:
- Non-genuine Hydraulic Pump: Usage of non-OEM or counterfeit pumps may cause premature wear, erratic pressure delivery, and internal contamination. OEM pumps are specifically engineered for hydraulic flow, pressure, and durability demands on Volvo machines.
- Worn or Faulty Solenoid Valves: The main pressure solenoid valve controls key fluid pathways and pressures inside the pump or control valves. A worn or incorrectly matched valve can hinder hydraulic pressure generation or distribution. Locally sourced solenoid replacements may lack specification matching, leading to operational failures.
- Metal Particles in Hydraulic Filter: The appearance of metal particles in filters indicates internal wear or damage—causing contamination that can block hydraulic passages, degrade seals, and accelerate component failure.
- Hydraulic Fluid Contamination: Dirty or degraded fluid reduces lubrication, leads to overheating, and causes erosion in valves, pumps, and actuators.
- Electrical Control Issues: Although no module errors might appear, wiring, connectors, or sensor faults may still interfere with valve actuation or pump control.
- Clogged or Damaged Hydraulic Lines: Any restrictions or leaks in lines can reduce system pressure or flow.
- Hydraulic Pump: Provides pressurized oil to the entire hydraulic system; must be capable of delivering correct flow and pressure.
- Solenoid Valves: Electrically actuated valves controlling the flow paths for functions including swing and travel directions.
- Hydraulic Filters: Trap contaminants and protect sensitive components from damage.
- Hydraulic Oil: Specialized fluid designed for viscosity, lubrication, and heat dissipation suitable for Volvo systems.
- Control Module (ECU): Manages electrical signals for valve operation and pump settings.
- Lines and Hoses: High-pressure conduits for hydraulic fluid.
- Inspect Hydraulic Fluid and Filter:
- Drain and replace hydraulic fluid if contaminated.
- Replace hydraulic filters; physically examine for metal shavings or debris signaling internal wear.
- Drain and replace hydraulic fluid if contaminated.
- Examine Hydraulic Pump Condition:
- Verify if the installed pump is OEM certified or a substitute; non-genuine pumps are prone to failures.
- Listen for unusual noises or check pressure output readings indicative of pump malfunction.
- Consider replacing worn or suspect pumps with genuine Volvo parts.
- Verify if the installed pump is OEM certified or a substitute; non-genuine pumps are prone to failures.
- Assess Solenoid Valves:
- Test electrical and hydraulic functionality of main pressure solenoids.
- Replace worn or improperly matched solenoid valves with OEM components to ensure compatibility.
- Clean valve ports and avoid using second-hand or "sample-based" parts from local sources due to specification variances.
- Test electrical and hydraulic functionality of main pressure solenoids.
- Check Hydraulic Lines and Connections:
- Inspect for leaks, kinks, or blockages.
- Replace damaged hoses and secure fittings correctly.
- Inspect for leaks, kinks, or blockages.
- Test Electrical Controls:
- Scan control module for error codes and diagnostic data (even if none are visible, deeper electrical tests can reveal open/short circuits or connector faults).
- Inspect wiring and control relays related to hydraulic valve actuation.
- Scan control module for error codes and diagnostic data (even if none are visible, deeper electrical tests can reveal open/short circuits or connector faults).
- System Flush and Cleaning:
- Perform hydraulic system flush to remove metal particles and contaminants.
- Use hydraulic fluid that meets Volvo specifications.
- Perform hydraulic system flush to remove metal particles and contaminants.
- Functional Testing:
- After repairs and replacements, run the excavator in idle and operational modes checking swing, forward, and reverse functions.
- Monitor hydraulic pressure and temperature to ensure stable operation.
- After repairs and replacements, run the excavator in idle and operational modes checking swing, forward, and reverse functions.
- Always use genuine Volvo hydraulic pumps and solenoid valves to maintain system integrity and compatibility.
- Frequently inspect hydraulic fluid condition and filters; change as per service intervals or when contamination is detected.
- Monitor hydraulic filter condition for signs of internal component wear or contamination.
- Avoid cheap or unverified component substitutions; improper parts drastically shorten system life.
- Maintain electrical system cleanliness and secure connections, reducing erratic valve behavior.
- Schedule regular hydraulic system flushes in line with Volvo’s maintenance guidelines.
- Train operators to note early symptoms of hydraulic irregularities to allow prompt intervention.
- Solenoid Valve: An electro-hydraulic valve that uses an electric coil to control hydraulic fluid flow direction or pressure.
- Hydraulic Pump: A device that converts mechanical energy into hydraulic energy by pressurizing fluid.
- Hydraulic Filter: A filter element that removes contaminants from hydraulic oil to protect components.
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): Parts made by or approved by the original machine manufacturer ensuring correct fit and function.
- Hydraulic Contamination: Presence of foreign particles or degraded fluid adversely affecting system performance.
- Control Module (ECU): The electronic unit controlling actuator signals and hydraulic parameters.
In one case at a busy construction site, an EW145B experienced loss of swing and forward travel functions without triggering error codes. The maintenance team replaced a worn main pressure solenoid valve purchased from a local non-OEM supplier, which temporarily improved reverse travel but failed to restore full hydraulic function. Metal particles found in the hydraulic filter highlighted significant pump wear likely due to the prior use of a counterfeit pump. Replacing the pump and solenoid valve with OEM Volvo parts and performing a complete hydraulic flush restored normal operation, preventing further costly damage and downtime.
Summary List of Recommendations for Volvo EW145B Hydraulic Issues
- Inspect hydraulic fluid and change if contaminated
- Replace hydraulic filters regularly and check for metal particles
- Use only genuine Volvo hydraulic pumps and solenoid valves
- Avoid using locally sourced or sample-based hydraulic parts without OEM approval
- Thoroughly test and repair or replace solenoid valves controlling pressure and flow
- Inspect hydraulic hoses, fittings, and lines for damage or blockages
- Check wiring and control module for faults even without error code presence
- Flush hydraulic system after repairs to remove contamination
- Conduct functional tests for swing, forward, and reverse motions before returning machine to service
- Follow manufacturer maintenance schedules to prevent recurrent issues
Hydraulic malfunctions in the Volvo EW145B wheeled excavator, particularly involving loss of swing and travel functions, often relate to the quality and condition of the hydraulic pump, solenoid valves, and contamination within the hydraulic system. Using genuine components, maintaining hydraulic fluid cleanliness, and following systematic diagnosis and repair procedures ensures reliable machine operation and extended equipment life. Failure to address metal contamination and component incompatibility can lead to escalating degradation and costly downtime.
