How to Know When You’ve Got a Faulty Industrial Gearbox

Most industrial gearboxes last for around 20 years.

However, that’s only if they’re taken care of properly. Along the way, you’ll have to keep an eye out for transmission problems and fix them right away.

If you’re not what they are, don’t worry.

In this article, we’ll go through the tell-tale signs of a faulty gearbox.

Signs Your Gearbox Is Causing Transmission Problems

If your gearbox is exhibiting any of these issues, it’s cause for concern.

Noise

A faulty gearbox will often start making noises.

These sounds could be caused by parts rattling or grinding together. Bearings, gears, and shafts accumulate wear and tear over time, and as they do so, they’ll produce more and more noise.

If you notice that your gearbox is noisier than it once was, it’s worth checking it out. Experienced engineers can use the type of noise to identify the root of the problem.

For example, loose motor mounts are often the culprits for banging and clunking sounds, faulty bearings usually cause low-pitched rumbling noises, and damaged gear teeth can produce high-pitched screeches.

Overheating

Is there a significant difference in the temperatures of the housing and shaft of your industrial gearbox? This could be a sign that something isn’t working correctly.

Other signs of an overheating gearbox include smoke emitting from shafts and seals, discoloration of surfaces caused by burning and melting of plastic parts.

Lubrication may not be working effectively. It should increase the longevity of parts by cooling them and reducing friction. If that’s not the issue, overtightened bearings could be creating too much friction and heat.

Cracks

If you see cracks or other visible damage to your gearbox, you need to have it looked at immediately.

This can be caused by vibrations that occur when the speed and torque of the gearbox are increased. Loose, broken or poorly mounted parts will vibrate aggressively, eventually causing damage to other parts or shifting out of place.

Misalignment

Over time, parts can move out of their rightful place and become misaligned.

This can be caused by wear and tear, vibration, and heat expansion. However, the root of the problem may have occurred at the point of installation.

If the gearbox that has been installed isn’t fit for purpose, it will cause problems later down the line. Similarly, if it isn’t mounted correctly, it’s likely to break down much more quickly.

Oil Leaks

Check the shaft seals of your gearbox. If you notice that oil is starting to leak out, you have a problem.

When the seals become compromised, oil will seep out, and water, dirt, and dust are being allowed in.

Even if you can’t see a leak, check your oil levels. If they’re suspiciously low, you may have to search for a leak somewhere else. Faulty gaskets can also cause leakages.

Keep Your Gearbox in Check

If transmission problems are left for too long, they can bring your production process to a complete halt.

That’s why you need to keep your gearbox in check with regular maintenance.

Carry out inspections at regular intervals, and you can fix your gearbox issues right away. To find out how to do that, read our ultimate guide to gearbox maintenance.

Posted in Industrial Equipment.