Most car owners are not aware that their vehicle includes a hydraulic lifter. Nevertheless, this component is important to the proper functionality of your car or truck. Here is a bit of information about a hydraulic lifter and how to tell when it needs to be replaced:

What is a hydraulic lifter?

A hydraulic lifter is a little cylinder that is positioned between the pushrods and a the lobes of a camshaft. With the lifter properly in place, the bottom end of the pushrod rests on the top of a small plunger that is positioned at the top of a full cylinder of oil. The plunger moves up and down based on the oil pressure inside the engine.  Most hydraulic lifters are more collapsed when the engine is moving at a lower rpm. This helps the lifter to minimize engine noise by promoting a smooth idle and to ensure less wear and tear inside the motor.

What happens inside the engine when a hydraulic lifter is faulty or damaged?

A hydraulic lifter that is not operating properly can cause other elements inside the engine, such as the push rod, valve tip, and rocker arm to deteriorate.

What is the primary indication that your hydraulic lifter is experiencing problems?

Your vehicle's engine may be unusually loud if one of the hydraulic lifters is failing. A hydraulic lifter's failure causes a unique noise that may remind you of a continual tapping. The sound is usually rhythmic and rapid. In addition, instead of the sound developing after your engine warms up, it could present when the motor is hot or cold.

If a hydraulic filter is faulty, what are the repair options?

If a hydraulic filter does start to fail, your mechanic may suggest replacing the bad lifter. However, many automotive professionals may advise you to replace all of the hydraulic filters at once, since one bad filter could indicate that others are failing as well. This is often the case because the lifters in your vehicle's engine are installed as a set and consequently, they receive much of the same wear and tear over time.

In some cases, your mechanic may be able to provide one or more lifters that have been refurbished. This can certainly save you money but may only be advised if your vehicle is quite old and will need to be replaced within a limited timeframe anyway.

To have your car assessed to determine whether or not your hydraulic lifter is failing, schedule an appointment with a mechanic in your area.

For hydraulic repair, contact a company such as Certified Products Co.