Gearbox Inspection Checklist – Things You Need to Consider

Gear and a gearbox play a vital role in any mechanical equipment. Therefore, it is essential to maintain these components by carrying out different inspection processes in order to make them deliver optimal outputs. Carrying out regular maintenance or inspection of gear and gearboxes requires a lot of planning. There are certain checkpoints that are very crucial when you think of the maintenance of gear and gearboxes. What are these checkpoints? Are you intrigued to know? If so, then please read the following post, which gives you some most important checklist of inspecting a gearbox.

The Checklist

When you cover all the aspects required, while carrying out an inspection of gearboxes and gears, then there are higher chances of these equipment delivering finest performance. The following is the checklist that you should consider while inspecting:

• Check the Gearbox Ratings – It is very important to check for the thermal and mechanical ratings of the gearbox. Also, not to forget, you should ensure that the gearbox is operating as per the specifications of the manufacturer.
• Clean the Gearbox – This is another most important point in the checklist, which goes a long way in allowing the gearbox to deliver great performance. Most of the times, the gearbox is operated in dirty or dusty environments, which can contaminate it. This can further affect its performance. Hence, it is important to clean the components regularly.
• Check for Oil Leaks – There should not be any oil leaks, which can hamper the overall performance of the gearbox. Oil leaks are a result of the failure of shaft seals, and allow water, dust, and debris to enter and affect the lubrication. Therefore, it is highly advisable to check the shaft seals of the component.
• Ensure Correct Breather Types & Style – You should ensure whether the breather of proper type and style is employed. This helps keep dust, water, and debris from entering the gearbox, and allows it to breathe easily.
• Perform Regular Lubrication – Need not mention – proper and timely lubrication of the gearbox. By proper lubrication, it means that it should adhere to the grade, type, and quantity specifications of the manufacturer.
• Avoid Overheating – You can use an infrared temperature gun to keep a check on the sudden changes in the temperature. Overheating should be avoided. You can look for signs of overheating, such as discolored exterior paint.
• Check Gear Contacts and Wear – In regular intervals of usage, you should check for the possible wears of a gearbox. Also, check whether there is any misalignment of the contacts between the gear teeth.
• Perform Vibration Analysis – Generally, gearboxes are used in noisy environments. Therefore, even if there is any change or rise in the gearbox noise, it can go unnoticed, which is very risky. Thus, it is highly recommended to carry out vibration analysis to keep a close check on the gearbox noise and vibrations.
• Check the Shaft End Play & Backlash – Is there any increase in the end play at the output or input shaft? Is there any increase in the backlash between the gears’ mesh? You can check these conditions with the help of a dial indicator.

This is the checklist of gear and gearbox inspection that is to be followed. It is highly recommended so that you do not miss out on any crucial aspects of the inspection. Do you want to get your gear and gearboxes inspected? Well, then it is advisable that you go with the trusted inspection service provider, like Motor & Gear Engineering Inc. who are known to take into account all the points given in the checklist above.