The gearbox is a fundamental link in the transmission module of industrial, construction, automotive and agricultural machinery. It facilitates control of speed and mechanical force in equipment and allows change of direction. It is crucial for you to understand common gearbox problems if you own or oversee heavy machinery. The information will help you establish a good care and maintenance program to prevent malfunctions.

One of the common issues linked to gearbox failure is poor lubrication practices. There is extensive metal to metal contact in the module, which generates friction. This can cause distortion of the gear's teeth and structural degradation through galling and scoring of the surfaces. Here are the main causative issues of lubrication problems which can lead to gearbox failure and machinery breakdown.

Lack of Lubrication

If a gearbox is operated when it is completely dry, the unit will fail rapidly. This issue usually occurs when a new gearbox is purchased and installed in the equipment by an inexperienced handyman. Typically, manufacturers distribute the products without lubrication because the extra weight will increase shipping costs. In addition, a dry gearbox mitigates the hazard of mixing different lubricants which is not recommended.

The installer is required to perform the lubrication task before starting the machinery. If not, the friction will generate heat causing accelerated wear and degradation of the teeth profiles. This damage is usually permanent, so the gearbox will require rebuilding or replacement. You can prevent this issue by engaging a qualified installation company after purchasing new components.

Inappropriate Lubricant

There are different types of gearbox lubricants in the market, so you may find the task of choosing the best one for your machinery challenging. It is highly advisable to use the specific products recommended by the gearbox manufacturer. These lubricants are tested and confirmed that they enhance the performance of components. Moreover, there are some products which contain chemicals which will cause degradation of the gearbox structure.

For instance, bronze gears are damaged by lubricants with sulphur or chlorine additives. The material will soften the gear teeth increasing the risk of distortion. You should also ensure that the lubricants are stored appropriately to prevent contamination. Abrasive wear of surfaces is linked to foreign materials in the fluid.

Insufficient Lubrication

A gearbox requires specific levels of lubricants for quality performance. You should check the owner's manual or consult an expert for the lubrication tasks to limit the risk of the unit running dry during operation. The failure will not be immediate but the damage will be costly. For more information, contact a business such as Gearbox Express.

Share