Hydraulic Cylinder Drifting: Why It Happens and How to Fix It

If your loader arm, boom, or bucket slowly sinks when it’s supposed to hold position, you’re dealing with hydraulic drift. It’s one of the most common complaints in heavy equipment — and a clear sign of internal leakage.

What Is Hydraulic Drift?

Drift happens when hydraulic fluid leaks internally past piston seals or valves, allowing a cylinder to move without user input. It’s especially noticeable in lifting applications where the load slowly drops on its own.

Main Causes of Drift

  • Worn piston seals: Pressure leaks past the piston inside the cylinder
  • Damaged cylinder rod: Scoring or pitting accelerates seal failure
  • Leaky spool valve: Internal valve bypass lets pressure bleed off
  • Contaminated fluid: Debris damages sealing surfaces over time

How to Diagnose It

  • Test cylinder under load and measure drop rate
  • Cap ports to isolate valve or cylinder as the cause
  • Use infrared to check for internal fluid movement under pressure

Repair Options

  • Reseal cylinder with OEM or high-pressure-rated seal kits
  • Polish or replace damaged rods
  • Rebuild or replace leaking valve section
  • Flush system and replace fluid if contaminated

Conclusion

Hydraulic drift isn’t just annoying — it’s dangerous. Whether it’s a backhoe bucket or a forklift mast, uncontrolled motion under load can lead to serious accidents. Fixing drift means restoring full sealing and system integrity before something worse happens.

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