06/17/2026
When the machine starts to creak, ping, and tink while sitting idle… there’s a good chance the cylinders are drifting.
Cylinder drift is one of those problems that can show up slowly, but it usually points to something that needs attention.
A simple field check:
✅ Mark the chrome rod with a paint pen
✅ Set a timer
✅ Measure how many inches the cylinder moves per minute
What’s considered “acceptable” drift depends on the cylinder seals, how the load is being held, and whether the cylinder is extending or retracting.
If your equipment is creeping, drifting, or not holding position like it should, Larger Hydraulic Services can help inspect, troubleshoot, and repair the issue before it turns into bigger downtime.
📞 Give us a call and let’s keep your equipment running reliably.