What is disclosed is a novel system and method for determining printer component velocity variations by analyzing multiple page test patterns. A test pattern, such as ladder chart targets, is produced that extends across multiple pages. Corresponding page sync signals are recorded and used to maintain phase coherence when analyzing scanned images associated with the multiple pages. An algorithm determines the ladder rung positions and the average photoreceptor velocity between each ladder rung on each scanned image for each page. Interpolation is used for proper phase alignment of the velocity data that spans multiple pages. The long assembly of phase coherent velocity data is then analyzed in one embodiment to determine its frequency content and to estimate the photoreceptor motion quality error sources. Based upon these estimated error sources, a trouble condition or pending maintenance problem with the printer is able to be indentified.