How to Spot Leaks, Drift, and Uneven Movement in Hydraulic Cylinders
https://machinerepairguide.summitviewdaily.com/posts/how-to-spot-leaks-drift-and-uneven-movement-in-hydraulic-cylinders
Hydraulic cylinder leaks often show as puddles or wet streaks near seals; drift occurs when the cylinder slowly moves on its own under constant pressure, while uneven movement appears as jerky or halting extension and retraction. Listen for hissing sounds and watch for inconsistent travel speeds.