Kafo Spindle Repair

Kafo Spindle Repair



CHALLENGE

When this Kafo spindle arrived at Northland Tool and Electronics we completed a full breakdown and evaluation.  Upon inspection we found that the rear nut may have loosened slightly causing the spindle to lose preload allowing the inner race to spin. The front quad set of bearings was full of coolant sludge causing premature failure.  The drawbar pullforce was measured on the incoming spindle and it was low at 1,400lbs due to some broken bellevilles.  We then inspected and measured the critical dimensions (bearing journals, housing, taper, etc.) and found a few issues.  First, the taper was worn from normal use and the drawbar shaft had some wear.  Second, the shaft journal where the #3 bearing sits has slight gauling from the inner race when the bearing failed.  No other dimensional deviations were noted on this spindle.

 

SOLUTION

The following actions were performed on this Kafo spindle:

  • Clean, inspect overall dimensions
  • Replace bearings, o-rings, bellevilles
  • Kiss grind taper
  • Dust grind front journal were #3 bearing sits to remove build up
  • Grind, plate, and finish grind the drawbar shaft

 

RESULT

After reassembly of all components, adjusting bearing preload, and undergoing break-in and testing procedures, this spindle passed our final quality inspection before being returned to our customer with a 1-year warranty.

DETAILED CAUSE OF FAILURE

  • Kafo Spindle Repair

    Drawbar damage

  • Kafo Spindle Repair

    Bearing contamination

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