Making your chain run for longer

Effective chain maintenance advice from Renold Jeffrey

Sprocket alignment Chain tensioning Lubrication

CORRECT ALIGNMENT

RENOLD

SPROCKETS OUT OF ALIGNMENT

The table below indicates the correct lubricant viscosity for

various ambient temperatures.
SHAFTS OUT OF ALIGNMENT
Ambient Temperature Lubricant Rating
Fahrenheit SAE BS4231

23 to 41 20 46 to 68
41 to 104 30 100
The chain should be adjusted regularly so that, with
104 to 122 40 150 to 220
one strand tight, the slack strand can be moved a 122 to 140 50 320
distance "A" at the midpoint
For the majority of applications in the above temperature
range, a multigrade SAE 20/50 oil would be suitable.

Sprocket wear Measuring chain wear

Depth

Y
of wear M
X=
10
X
PCD PCD

If the depth of this wear ‘x’ has reached an amount equal to 10% of the ‘y’ dimension, Roller chain at 2% elongation is now out of pitch and will rapidly wear new sprockets.
then steps should be taken to replace the sprocket. Measure a manageable length of pitches pulled or hung with a weight for a total
length and add 2%.
Running new chain on sprockets having this amount of tooth wear will cause rapid
chain wear.

For more information on Renold chain

call today at (800) 251-9012

www.renoldjeffrey.com
 Troubleshooter

Fretting Galling & fretting corrosion Abrasion

Application Diagnosis Application bushing bore. This created Application the circuit. From the wear
Tilt tray sorter chain used Fretting corrosion caused by Chain used for a lifting a metal to metal contact Simple transmission chain pattern it seems likely that
in baggage handling in the marginal lubrication, where the application. resulting in a slight galling drive. the chain has worn a groove in
baggage hall of a major air- lubricant present is insufficient of the surfaces and the the fixture, probably initiated
port. to prevent the asperities on Failure mode oxidization of the microscopic Failure mode by the harder pin ends.
each component rubbing Galling and fretting corrosion. particles, giving the red oxide Rubbing wear on the face of
Failure mode together. deposit. A typical example of the side plates, the end of the Solution
Chain pins and bi-planar block Diagnosis fretting corrosion. side plates and the pin end. Realign the chain drive before
show scoring and heavy red Solution The chain being under the damage to the chain
deposit indicating fretting Every pin should be removed constant loading at high Solution Diagnosis becomes too serious and the
corrosion. and all traces of abrasive red bearing pressure has resulted More frequent lubrication The chain has been rubbing chain has to be scrapped.
oxide removed. The chain in the lubricant being squeezed schedule to be introduced. against some fixed point on
should then be operated in an out between the pin and
improved lubrication regime.

Lubrication & alignment Corrosion Galling

Application been applied in the 6 months

Application and external parts have Application Diagnosis
1" pitch double strand chain service life. The loads involved
Chain drive used on a barrelling gradually corroded until the 3.5" pitch chain used on a Lubrication pump failure
driving a flywheel on a 400 require a minimum of oil sump
machine. rollers seized. The chain has marine diesel engine. resulted in surfaces fusing
Ton press. lubrication. In addition to this
then proceeded to wear heavily together under high bearing
the center distance was higher Failure mode
Failure mode on the rollers. Failure mode pressure. This galling process
than recommended and the Corrosion.
Excessive wear. Chain jumping sprockets were out of line. Severe galling due to high is also referred to as 'micro
Solution bearing pressures and lack
teeth causing tooth rounding. Diagnosis welding'.
Use Renold Hydro-Service of lubrication between
Solution This chain has been used in
Diagnosis chain or protect your chain articulating surfaces resulting Solution
Use Renold Syno chain or an environment with water
Examination of the chain from water. Increase degree in surfaces fusing together. Ensure adequate means of
improve the lubrication contamination. The chain has
showed no lubrication had of maintenance lubrication. lubrication.
method. Consider hardening not been regularly lubricated
the driver teeth. Correct the
drive alignment.

Overload No failure Wear

Application Diagnosis Application Diagnosis Application Diagnosis

Double strand roller chain used Excessive overload on the 24,000 lb breaking load hollow A correctly lubricated 1.5" pitch double strand chain. Over a long period of time
in severe overload situation. chain led to the collapse of pin. component. the pins have gradually worn
the bushing and damage to Failure mode until the chain elongation has
Failure mode the pin. Failure mode Pin bearing areas worn. Note reached 2%.
Severe damage to roller chain None. position of intermediate plates
pin and collapse of the chain Solution is clearly visible. Solution
bushing. Correctly size the chain for the Monitor chain extension
application. regularly.

For more information on Renold chain

call today at (800) 251-9012

www.renoldjeffrey.com