Gearboxes, differentials, final drives and planetaries should be closely monitored for dirt and water contamination, although the type of wear occurring is usually the biggest concern. Direct Read Ferrography (PQ Index) provides a ratio of large ferrous to small ferrous particles and reports a quantitative value that indicates the amount of ferrous wear occurring.

Analytical Ferrography is a more indepth analysis of ferrous wear that provides digital imagery of the actual particles.

Identifying causes of gearbox failure is a crucial step in preventing future equipment problems. To determine failure root cause we perform both oil analysis and vibration analysis combined with visual inspections. These diagnostic techniques are usually required to monitor the condition of plant machinery and to control the causes of machine failure.

Gearbox lubrication – oil analysis

Proper lubrication is extremely important for the lifetime and condition of the gearbox. In many cases, gear and bearing problems result from contaminated or insufficient oil. Oil filter contamination could cause bearing failure and gear tooth damage. Sometimes insufficient lubrication causes metal-to-metal contact with abrasive wear as a result.

Oil analysis provides important information on wear modes and possible gearbox lubrication problems. On the other hand, visual inspections of wear patterns and gear tooth pitting can reveal lubrication problems e.g. oil leakage or improper lubricants.

Transmissions, differentials, final drives and planetaries should be closely monitored for dirt and water contamination, although the type of wear occurring is usually the biggest concern.

Transmission

Transmission oil has been chemically formulated to work under certain conditions and help in the operation of valves, bands, torque converter and other components. The red and transparent color will tell you its elements are in good shape. Further inspecting the quality and appearance of the oil will help you know when the oil is not at its best and if problems are brewing inside the transmission.

Transmission fluid acts as a lubricant and as a cooling agent for all moving parts of the transmission. It is the lifeblood of the transmission and regular checks and changes are vital to the transmission system.

ATF exposed to the high heat generated by automatic transmissions tend to degenerate and break down becoming inefficient.

Lubricating Oil in a transmission provides two primary benefits: to lubricate the teeth and to remove heat generated from the gear operation. The lubricant is also often used for lubricating various bearings found in the gearbox. If the correct lubricant is selected for use in a gear system it will provide slip free power transmission at high mechanical efficiency with good reliability. low maintenance and long life.