Even the most hardy parallel shaft reducers will eventually need some TLC, given the punishing conditions under which gear drives typically operate. By catching and addressing problems quickly, however, facility maintenance crews can minimize damage, downtime and repair costs. If you notice any of the following issues with a parallel shaft reducer, swift action is recommended.
1. Oil leakage. It’s important to regularly inspect the drive for leaking lubricant, which can cause a host of troubles down the road. If oil is leaking from the caps, cap screws or pipe plugs, first try retightening or removing them and applying a pipe sealant. If the leakage continues, the unit will need to be disassembled and the O-rings replaced. If oil persistently leaks from seals, it generally means the shaft and/or seals are worn and should be replaced.
2. Elevated internal operating temperature. When the internal operating temperature of the parallel shaft reducer exceeds 200 degrees Fahrenheit, it could indicate damaged bearings or insufficient lubricant levels. Alternatively, it could also be a sign that the unit is overloaded and should be swapped out with a larger-capacity drive.
3. Excessive shaft movement. If a shaft moves noticeably (.005 inches or more) when couplings are removed and the shaft is shifted back and forth, worn bearings are the likely culprit. Before replacing the bearings, try removing shims between the caps and housing, or between the housing halves, as this will often solve the problem.
4. Disproportionate backlash. Excessive backlash signals worn gears, which may require replacement.
Proactive maintenance can go a long way toward extending the life of a parallel shaft reducer. However, if you do end up with a drive failure on your hands, keep in mind that our Falk RENEW facility can rebuild it for you quickly, and at a fraction of the cost of a new unit.
Posted under Machinery Maintenance, Products/Services, Tips and Tricks on Thursday, May 30th, 2013