BUSS G-160 gearbox Inspection and overhaul

This client from Belgium came to us with this BUSS G-160. We inspected the gearbox and performed a repair. After a succesful testrun we shipped the gearbox back to the client.

The state of the gearbox can be considered as good, in the vibration analysis no indications for bearing or dental damage have been observed. The perceived rumble in the gearbox has been successfully remedied by increasing the flank clearance of the bevel gears.

Gearbox At the location of the input shaft, a large amount of harmonics of an unknown frequency was detected in the acceleration spectra. The origin of this signal could be related to an observed high-frequency sound in the vicinity of the 1st and 2nd stages. A slight tap has also been observed. However, the amplitudes of these two signals are not so high that immediate action is justified.

Electric motor on both the gearbox and electric motor have been observed increased vibration levels caused by a strong 1X peak. It is suspected that the high amplitude of the vibration at 1X is caused by an insufficient rigid foundation.

Too weak a foundation can cause undesired movements which can lead to fatigue in the long term. The unwanted vibrations also lead to higher loads on the bearings, which can lead to a shortened lifespan. The cracks observed in the housing of the other Buss G-160 gearboxes could have been caused by the consequences of insufficiently rigid foundation over the years.