Weep vs major leak in hydraulic systems?

• A. A weep is a rapid, heavy leak; major leak is slow seepage.
• B. A weep is slow, minor seepage; major leak is noticeable, continuous leak causing pressure drop.
• C. A weep leak indicates a good seal; major leak indicates a defective component.
• D. A weep leak is only on the ground; major leak only in flight.

Answer: (B)

In hydraulic systems, a weep leak means slow, minor seepage that leaves only a damp spot at a seal or connection and generally doesn’t cause an immediate loss of system pressure. A major leak is a noticeable, continuous leak that causes a drop in system pressure and requires prompt action to prevent loss of control authority or system failure.

So the correct description—slow, minor seepage for a weep and a noticeable, continuous leak causing pressure drop for a major leak—best captures the real difference in severity and impact. A weep doesn’t necessarily indicate a perfect seal, it just means the leak is small; a major leak signals a significant fault that will affect performance. Leaks aren’t confined to ground or flight conditions, and major leaks aren’t simply signs of a defective component in all cases, so those statements aren’t accurate.