Catastrophic bearing failure was the main cause of this spindle malfunction Continue reading to learn how Northland Tool performed this repair and converted a Weiss GHK 176239 spindle from grease-injected to permanent grease lubrication……
Read MoreWeiss 175356-0427 Spindle Repair
Our customer requested that we test run the spindle when we receive it to see if it is need of a rebuild. We ran it at top speed on our test stand and found high overall velocity readings and high acceleration readings. This is indicative of bearings that have passed their usable lifespan. We discussed our findings with our contact and determined that the spindle should be broken down.
CHALLENGE
This Weiss 175356-0427 spindle was test run incoming which indicated excessive vibration and high bearing spike energy. Upon disassembly, we noted that the drawbar tube was bent (drives rotary union), the drawbar force spacer assembly was broken, and the c/s drawbar balls and pins. The front and rear bearings were going to fail from coolant contamination very soon as the grease was partially washed out. We then inspected the critical dimensions and found that the front housing was severely egged -5/+15µ (iso = +/- 7.5µ) and the leading edge of the taper was chipped. Lastly, there was slight pre-existing rub out between the front housing cover and the shaft spacer ring.
SOLUTION
The following actions were performed on this Weiss 175356-0427 spindle:
- Clean, inspect overall dimensions
- Replace bearings, bellevilles, and o-rings
- Replace drawbar assembly
- Grind, chrome plate, and finish grind the front housing and shaft taper
- Stator rewind
- Machine out damage on front housing cover and shaft spacer ring
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
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