What is the most likely cause of cylinder drift?

Cylinder drift typically occurs when the piston within the cylinder is unable to maintain its position due to an inability to hold the air pressure effectively. Worn piston seals are a primary cause of this issue. When the seals are degraded or damaged, they fail to create an adequate seal between the piston and the cylinder walls. This allows compressed air to bypass, leading to a gradual loss of pressure and causing the cylinder to drift from its intended position.

Identifying worn seals as the cause is important for troubleshooting because fixing or replacing these seals can restore the cylinder's functionality and prevent further drift, ensuring that it performs as required in pneumatic systems. Factors like incorrect pressure settings, dirt in the actuator, or excessive load can contribute to other pneumatic issues, but they do not directly cause the type of drift associated with seal wear.