CHAIN TROUBLESHOOTING
OCM Roller Chain Troubleshooting Guide
Troubles and their causes, countermeasure for transmission
CAUSE : Sprockets are not installed in flat surface
SOLUTION : Use straight edge ruler on the side of sprocket and re-align sprocket surfaces
CAUSE : Rotation is uneven
SOLUTION :
Change speed of chain
Change tension of chain
Add idler or tensioner to stop vibration
CAUSE : Fluctuation of load is excessive
SOLUTION : Use torque converter or liquid coupling
CAUSE : Uneven stretching due to abrasion
SOLUTION : Immediately replace chain and lubricate sufficiently
CAUSE : Excessive overload is applied
SOLUTION :
Try to reduce overload
Move up chain number to larger one
CAUSE : Lubrication is not adequate
SOLUTION : Once clean chain and lubricate correctly to operating condition
CAUSE : There is corrosion
SOLUTION :
Install casing
Clean and lubricate periodically
CAUSE : Installation is not adequate
SOLUTION :
Replace chain with new one
Check and align the installation of sprocket and shaft
CAUSE : Chain sag is not proper amount
SOLUTION : Align centering distance of sprocket so that it becomes most proper slack amount for chain transmission
CAUSE : Chain and sprocket have excessive abrasion
SOLUTION : Replace chain and sprocket
CAUSE : Lubrication is not sufficient
SOLUTION :
Conduct proper lubrication for operating condition
Higher the viscosity of lubricant, lower the noise
CAUSE : Improper installation of sprocket or shaft
SOLUTION : Check condition of sprocket and shaft installation and correct it
CAUSE : Improper installation of chain casing or bearing
SOLUTION : Check if chain casing is touching chain and retighten bearing bolt
CAUSE : Operating condition is not sufficient
SOLUTION :
Change speed of chain
Change tension of chain
Install vibration stopper (idler or tensioner)
CAUSE : Excessive over load is applied
SOLUTION :
Try to reduce overload
Change chain number to larger one
CAUSE : Chain is extremely elongated with abrasion
SOLUTION : Replace chain
CAUSE : Improper sprocket
SOLUTION : Replace sprocket
CAUSE : Rotation speed and load are much higher than normally selected value
SOLUTION : Selection of chain shall be done again
CAUSE : Insufficient lubrication
SOLUTION : Lubricate to fit operating condition and environment
CAUSE : Excessive chain vibration
SOLUTION : Change tensioner or install vibration stopper so that vibration becomes minimum
CAUSE : Chain and sprocket bite foreign object
SOLUTION : Remove foreign object and install protector
CAUSE : Unexpected shock load is applied
SOLUTION :
Start over chain selection
Reduce shock with installing absorber
CAUSE : Corrosion due to inferior atmosphere
SOLUTION : Install casing or periodically clean and lubricate
CAUSE : Distance between centers of sprocket is too long
SOLUTION : Shorten center distance or change intermediate idler
CAUSE : Chain sag is excessive
SOLUTION : Decrease chain sag or install tightener
CAUSE : Improper selection of chainand sprocket
SOLUTION : Change to smaller pitch chain, or larger number of sprocket teeth
CAUSE : Unexpected overload with shock is applied
SOLUTION :
Start over chain selection
Soften shock with installing absorbor
Improve starting up smoothly
CAUSE : Excessive vibration
SOLUTION : Install tightener or intermediate idler to reduce vibration
CAUSE : Inertia of sub transmission side is unexpectedly too high
SOLUTION :
Start over chain selection
Increase number of strands of chain, or change to larger number of chain
If this still does not solve the issue, please prepare the following information and contact to your supplier.
But please check these points first before asking
- Check point 1 - Is the chain properly installed?
- Check point 2 - Is the installation condition of sprocket and shaft adequate?
- Check point 3 - Is any force other than tensile strength of chain existing?
- Check point 4 - Has only chain or sprocket already replaced?
- Check point 5 - Is the tensioner and lubricating method properly done?
Operating Information when reporting failure
- 1. Defective condition of chain that shows specific point of failure. Prepare defective sample or photos
- 2. Approx. amount of tensile strength
- 3. Application and layout of chain installation
- 4. Operaing environment
- 5. Lubricating condition