What diagnostic step should be taken if a hydraulic actuator is moving slower than expected?

When a hydraulic actuator is moving slower than expected, the most logical step to take is to inspect the flow control settings. Flow control settings are crucial because they directly regulate the amount of hydraulic fluid that flows to the actuator. If these settings are not appropriately adjusted, it can lead to insufficient fluid flow, reducing the actuator's speed. By checking and potentially adjusting the flow control, you can restore the actuator’s expected performance.

Other options may not directly address the immediate issue. For example, checking for system leaks focuses on diagnosing a different problem—loss of fluid pressure—which might not be relevant if everything else is functioning correctly. Verifying actuator size is essential for ensuring compatibility with the system, but if the actuator is already appropriately sized, this step may not resolve the speed issue. Lastly, replacing hydraulic fluid is a maintenance step that might be necessary if the fluid is contaminated or degraded, but it is not the first action to take when addressing a sudden change in actuator performance. Therefore, inspecting the flow control settings is the most pertinent and effective step to diagnose and resolve the issue of reduced actuator speed.