Which troubleshooting technique tests for a worn cylinder rod seal?

Listening for an external air leak is an effective troubleshooting technique to test for a worn cylinder rod seal. When a rod seal deteriorates or wears out, it can lead to air escaping from around the cylinder rod. This can produce a noticeable hissing or escaping air sound, indicating a problem with the seal. By focusing on auditory cues, this method allows you to efficiently determine if there's a leak that could be attributed to the condition of the rod seal.

While other techniques might provide useful insights into actuator performance, they do not specifically address the presence of a worn rod seal. Observing actuator movement can show issues with actuation but won't directly indicate a seal problem. Checking for pressure at the inlet gives information about the system's overall pressure but lacks specificity regarding individual seal integrity. Visual inspection of the actuator might reveal wear and tear or damage, but it won't always expose a seal that is allowing air leakage unless there's significant external evidence of the leak. Thus, listening for an external air leak stands out as the most direct method for identifying a worn cylinder rod seal.