Most Common Gear Box Repairs and Processes

If you use gear boxes in your plant, you know how important they are. It is essentially the heart of the system and is supposed to regulate to your desired specifications. Major problems can arise if even the slightest component is out of whack. To help you better understand we will review the most common gear box repairs and processes.

Common Gear Box Repairs

Gear boxes can fail for a number of reasons, which is why it is vital to determine the cause as soon as possible. Expert analysis are done to test items such as temperature, pressure, vibration, and noise. Other tests can include searching for pitting or overload failures, tooth fractures, abrasive wear, and misalignments.

We have found that bearing and seals are often the cause of failures in gear boxes. This can be due to:

• Corrosion
• Scoring
• Overheating
• Contamination
• Slippage
• Lack of regular maintenance
• Improper maintenance

Other common failures include issues with the shaft, shafts, or in the gears themselves.

The Gear Box Repair Process

You may notice your gear box is not operating as intended via signs such as excessive vibration, decreased output, increased energy usage, higher running temperatures, and many other signs. At times, repairs can be done on site or at the facility of an experienced gear box repair professional.

In many cases, a complete tear down and inspection is required to determine the cause. Analysis is performed on internal and external parts to determine the root cause of the failure. Customer communication is key at this stage. Your gear box repair pro should be providing you with images, test readouts, and a diagnosis. They should also provide you with the opportunity to know the scope of the work including time to completion, price, and warranty before moving forward. However, if you choose to go with another facility, your current one will most likely charge you for the services provided so far.

With your go ahead and signature, a complete repair or replacement will begin usually using  either OEM parts, rebuilds, or a combination of the two. In many cases, all bearings and seals will be replaced if either is the issue in order to avoid future breakdowns from the same cause. Gear replacements are made with matching gear ratios along with all shims and gaskets, as well as any needed seals and bearings. The gearbox is then reassembled, cleaned, possibly painted, and tested to ensure it is in good working condition.

Your gear box repair professional should offer a warranty on their work and any parts they rebuild. Be sure to obtain all warranty information before the work begins.

What if The Gearbox Cannot be Repaired?

Be sure to shop around if you don’t have a trusted gear box repair contractor to get all the information you need to make an informed decision. Do not simply contact the original manufacturer, as they may simply encourage you to buy a new gear box from them.

We at HDS are experts at repairing and rebuilding, even if the parts you need are no longer on the market. This solution is far more favorable, as it is more cost effective and time-saving than buying new equipment.

Houston Dynamic Supply Can Complete the Most Common Gear Box Repairs

Our team has the expertise to rebuild and repair all sorts of rotating equipment from centrifuges to pumps. In addition, we specialize in gear box repair for speed increasers, speed reducers, cooling tower drives, and planetary gear boxes. Contact us today to speak with one of our gear box experts.