Proper gearing lubrication demands proper gear alignment. An uncentered gear may cause out-of-design contact and friction, which brushes the oil from the gear’s teeth and deprives the mesh of lubrication. The damage caused by this issue gets progressively worse over time, eventually requiring the equipment to be replaced.
A simple method for preventing this kind of damage is to carefully check the contact patterns during the installation or replacement of the gearing. This is a common practice in gearing manufacturing facilities. If you are unsure of the appropriate contact patterns for your gearbox, speak to the manufacturer.
You can identify an improperly lubricated gear by testing the oil for elevated particulate levels, which rise over time with normal wear and tear. Visual examination will reveal unusual wear on the gear’s tooth where the thread enters the mesh.
Although it is beneficial to take all of these steps, it is also important to know how to select lubrication oil and how to store gearbox components. Using a sight gauge and monitoring oil losses are also important steps in maintaining your industrial gearbox.
It is crucial to know your selected oil’s pour point, which is the lowest temperature it can flow at. The key to selecting the right oil is to ensure that the oil’s pour point is a minimum of 20°F (or 10°C) under the lowest expected environmental temperature.
Consider using a vacuum-sealing device to make sure your gear drive parts are properly stored and preserved. This fast, easy technique works to keep parts dry and clean. You may want to add a drying agent in the bag as well. It is wise to try to keep smaller pieces sorted out until you need them, including coupling bolts, coils, or electrical components.
You might want to use a straight sight gauge on heavy-duty gearboxes that do not come with dipsticks or inspection glasses. The only method of checking the lubrication levels on these gearboxes is to remove the oil plug.
Installing a sight gauge enables you to check the oil levels instantly, regardless of how the gearbox is aligned. The first important step is to install the gauge on a low-level spot, like the drain, to avoid overloading the gearbox. Then, to prevent any errors, mark both the static and the operating levels on your gauge. You should also make certain your gearbox is outfitted with a breather, or a semi-vacuum may be created and result in an incorrect reading.
If you choose to regulate oil losses, determine exactly how much lubrication is purchased. Then, compare that with how much oil not used. Try to pinpoint the reason for variations by checking for leaks, materials used during operation, and excessive evaporation. You should also identify any materials wasted as a result of pollution or misuse.
Knowing how gearbox lubrication works and what kind of lubricant is best for your equipment is important. Having a trusted repair and maintenance company is just as important for the operation of your gearbox. At Amarillo Gear Service, we work with our clients to ensure their gearboxes remain operational for the duration of their intended lifespan. We ensure that every unit we renew and repair leaves our facilities in like new condition. The result is that many of our gearboxes perform better once they are returned and are less prone to causing an unwanted failure.
Give us a call today at (806) 622-1273 for more information about our Amarillo Gear™ and Marley™ gearbox repair services. You can also Contact Us by email and view the Regions We Service. We will be happy to give you the answers you need to ensure your industrial gearbox and operations do not come to a halt.
