Gear failure, as the name suggests, occurs when a gear is no longer able to perform its job. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, individually or together, and when it does, it could have a ripple effect that forces your entire machine to shut down.
Fortunately, understanding more about gear failure can equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to prevent it.
Types of Gear Failure
Let’s start by looking at the main things that can cause a gear to fail:
- Wear and tear. Wear and tear happens when the gear is used repeatedly, and is practically inevitable. Small chips, scuffs, and other forms of damage accumulate over time.
- Corrosion. Corrosion is a chemical breakdown that often happens over time, or when the gear is exposed to certain types of substances.
- Pitting. Pitting occurs as a series of small pits in the gear, and typically happens due to an improper fit, or with excessive loads or stress.
Gear Failure Prevention
You can prevent almost every type of gear failure with the following precautions:
- Initial quality. First, you’ll need to ensure you’re working with a gear manufacturer that cares about the quality of their work. Shoddy materials or poor craftsmanship can lead to gears with flaws, which can suffer more wear and tear over time.
- Maintenance. Next, you’ll need to maintain your gears regularly. Some applications require lubrication, while others will need cleaning. Almost all will require a routine inspection to evaluate any sustained damage.
- Replacement. If a gear is showing signs of wear and tear, it’s a good idea to replace it immediately. The longer you wait, the worse things will get.
If you notice one of your gears starting to wear out, don’t let the damage accumulate. Repair what you can, and replace what you can’t. If you need help with the decision, or if you’re ready for a new set of gears, contact Federal Gear for a quote today!