What is a common cause of landing gear alignment issues?

Uneven wear or damage from hard landings can significantly impact landing gear alignment. When an aircraft experiences a hard landing, it can cause stress and deformation in the landing gear components. This may lead to misalignment of the wheels and struts, making it difficult for the aircraft to roll straight or causing abnormal tire wear. Misalignment can also affect the aircraft's handling and control during ground operations. Identifying and addressing any such damage is crucial for maintaining optimal landing gear performance and ensuring safety during operations.

The other options, while they can lead to various issues with landing gear systems, are not as direct in causing alignment problems. Improper tire inflation can affect handling and performance but does not typically lead to alignment issues specifically. Frequent maintenance checks are essential for safety and proper function, and faulty hydraulic systems may lead to failure in gear deployment or retraction rather than alignment concerns.