FACTSHEET: COMMON CAUSES OF BEARING FAILURE IN GEARBOXES

Gearbox failure can cause a complete machinery breakdown, expensive both in their subsequent
repair and lost output. Catching signs of failing parts early can reduce downtime, save costs and im-
prove machinery health. Here are some facts on the most common forms of machinery failure.

Downtime in the
Other, 18.60%
Inadequate automotive industry
Handling errors,
2.80%
lubrication,
34.40%
is estimated to be
Overload, 6.90%
$22,000 per minute

Installation Detecting failures at the earliest

errors, 17.70%
Contamination, stage minimises downtime
19.60%
from larger catastrophic
SUF failure study
failures.

High temperatures from low oil level

The primary symptoms of overload
or overloading can lead to component
include noise and vibration, increased damage such as fatigue spalling.
temperatures, metallic
chip debris and reduced
equipment performance.
Misalignment is estimated to cause 50% to
70% of all machinery vibration problems.

Water contamination Heavily contaminated oil

1% water ingress can shorten
bearing life by as much as 90% ! can shorten the life of a
bearing by x 500.

For advice on catching the signs of machinery failure sooner,

speak to our team.

Find out more at gillsc.com

E info@gillsc.com
T +44 (0)1590 613900 Sensors & Controls
* information from other sources, contact for more details