Explanations to gear oil analysis reports
Content:
Problem: Noticeably high wear
- Check magnet in the drain screw for conspicuous particles
- Check magnet plug (if existent)
- Let oil drain through a strainer, a fine filter or a close meshed cloth in order to check for particles
- Check gear system during movement for running noise, vibrations, oil pressure, bering clearance, leaking, seals
- How has the sample been taken?
- No sample from the bottom of the oil pan or the oil sump, take oil sample always from the middle jet of the oil draining at operating temperature
- Should the oil sample not be representative, large particles may be missing entirely or abound
- Was there always sufficient oil in the system, has the gear system been working in an extreme incline
- Has the correct type of oil been used
- Do the wear particles derive from an existing damage or a former problem
- Has the oil change been carried out correctly and completely
- Check alignment of axles and bearing and gear clearance
- Check differential lock, if existent
- Is the oil pump running properly
- Extremely long oil change intervals
- Varying wear on wet brakes or drive belts
Problem: High percentages of water, dirt or dust
- Damaged seals at the shaft passages
- Damaged or missing breezer
- Loose lids or protective caps, damaged lid or housing seals
- Incorrect oil storage - upright barrels with open or contaminated openings
- Dust entry during oil top-up due to contaminated container
- Water from cleaning works with the steam blaster
- Condensate due to low operating temperatures or blocked housing ventilation
- Oil radiator is leaking
- Mistake during the sample taking
Problem: Overheating of the gear box or oxidation
- Drain oil pan completely and clean
- Oil-level too low
- Crusty dirt accumulations on the gear housing
- Oil radiator doesn't work or only partly
- Wrong oil type, unsuitable oil
- Overbearing of the gear box, frequent load alternations
- Bad alignment of axles
- Local overheating due to frictional heat due to wear problems
- Heat transfer from other components such as e.g. brakes
- Differential lock permanently switched-on
- Too much frictional heat due to wet brakes
