5 Signs Your Swing Motor Is on Its Last Legs (And What to Do About It)

If your excavator’s swing motor starts acting like a drunk uncle at a braai — slow, loud, and unpredictable — you’ve got a problem. The swing motor is the muscle behind your machine’s upper body rotation. When it starts failing, your excavator turns into a stubborn, jerky liability that costs you time, money, and maybe a few grey hairs.

So how do you know if it’s on its last legs before it leaves you high and dry on-site?

Here are 5 warning signs to look out for — and what the hell you should do about them.

1. Jerky or Delayed Swing Movement

Let’s say you're rotating your machine to load some soil, and instead of a smooth swing, it lurches like a pothole-riddled taxi. That's your first red flag.

What it means:

• The swing motor is struggling to maintain consistent hydraulic flow.

• Could be due to internal wear, contamination, or low pressure in the hydraulic system.

What to do:

• Check your hydraulic pressure readings.

• Inspect swing motor hoses and connections.

• If the swing is inconsistent, don’t ignore it — it will only get worse.

2. Unusual Noises (Grinding, Whining, or Clunking)

Excavators aren’t known for being quiet, but your swing motor shouldn’t sound like a dying blender or a dog chewing on metal.

What it means:

• Grinding: internal gear or bearing failure.

• Whining: possible cavitation or oil starvation.

• Clunking: loose components, misalignment, or worn splines.

What to do:

• Pop the cover and check the swing motor casing.

• Look for metal shavings in the oil (a big "oh s***" moment).

• If you're hearing weird noises, it's probably already damaged — time to call the pros or swap the part.

3. Oil Leaks Around the Swing Motor

If your swing motor looks like it’s been bathing in oil, bad news — seals have failed, and you’re bleeding performance (and money).

What it means:

• Damaged or worn shaft seals.

• Cracked housing or pressure build-up inside the motor.

• Contaminated oil due to poor filtration or maintenance.

What to do:

• Clean the area and identify the leak.

• Replace seals if caught early — otherwise, you're looking at a full rebuild or replacement.

• Vikfin carries tested used motors with good seals if you’re done playing the hydraulic lottery.

4. Overheating During Operation

Can’t touch the motor after an hour of use? That’s not heat — that’s a warning flare.

What it means:

• Friction from worn bearings or gears.

• Blocked filters or poor hydraulic fluid circulation.

• Sometimes it's the hydraulic system — sometimes it's a dying motor trying to go out in a blaze of glory.

What to do:

• Stop running it before something explodes.

• Flush and replace hydraulic fluid.

• Check for internal scoring or discoloration — both signs of overheating.

5. Reduced Swing Power or Speed

If your excavator’s swing is slower than an Eskom repair crew, it’s a problem.

What it means:

• Internal bypassing (leaking fluid inside the motor).

• Pressure loss or damaged motor components.

• Could also be a failing swing gearbox — they often go hand-in-hand.

What to do:

• Test hydraulic pressure at the motor inlet.

• Compare swing speed with manufacturer specs.

• If the power’s gone, it’s time to repair or replace.

Bonus: Don’t Ignore Intermittent Issues

Sometimes it only happens when the machine’s hot. Or only when swinging left. Or only when your boss is watching. Don't ignore the weird, once-in-a-while symptoms — they’re the prelude to a full-blown failure.

What to Do Next

So you’ve got one or more of these signs. Now what?

1. Document the issue – Photos, videos, and notes help if you need to explain it to a mechanic or supplier.

2. Run a basic hydraulic system check – Look for leaks, pressure issues, and contamination.

3. Get in touch with a reliable parts supplier – Hey, that’s where we come in.

At Vikfin, we specialise in quality-tested, affordable used swing motors, swing gearboxes, and full excavator component solutions. We’ll help you figure out what’s actually wrong, and we’ll never sell you crap that won’t last.

Conclusion: Don’t Let a Dying Swing Motor Derail Your Day

Excavator swing motors don’t usually fail out of the blue. They give you hints — and now you know what to look for.

Spot the signs early, take action fast, and call in backup if needed. Whether you’re operating a Cat, Komatsu, Volvo, or any other make, Vikfin’s got the parts to keep you swinging (and earning) without the breakdown drama.

Need a Replacement Swing Motor?

☎️ Call us.📦 We’ll ship it anywhere in South Africa.🔧 We’ll even tell you how to install it if your mechanic’s MIA.

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