Falk® Steelflex® Couplings • Installation and Maintenance

Type T20 • Sizes 1020–1170 & 20–170 (Page 1 of 6)

How To Use This Manual TYPE T20 STEELFLEX COUPLING

This manual provides detailed instructions on maintenance,
lubrication, installation, and parts identification. Use the
table of contents below to locate required information.

Table of Contents
Introduction............................................................... Page 1
Lube Fittings.............................................................. Page 1
Limited End Float....................................................... Page 1
Lubrication............................................................ Pages 1-2
Installation & Alignment Instructions.................... Pages 2-4
Annual Maintenance, Relube & Disassembly........... Page 4
Installation & Alignment Data.................................... Page 5
The use of general purpose grease requires re-lubrication of
Parts Identification & Parts Interchangeability.......... Page 6 the coupling at least annually.
CAREFULLY FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS
MANUAL FOR OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE AND Long Term Grease (LTG)
TROUBLE FREE SERVICE. The high centrifugal forces encountered in couplings separate
the base oil and thickener of general purpose greases. Heavy
Introduction thickener, which has no lubrication qualities, accumulates
in the grid-groove area of Steelflex couplings resulting in
This manual applies to Sizes 1020T thru 1170T and 20T premature hub or grid failure unless periodic lubrication
thru 170T20 Falk SteelfIex Tapered Grid Couplings. Unless cycles are maintained.
otherwise stated, information for Sizes 1020T thru 1170T
applies to Sizes 20T thru 170T respectively, e.g. 1020T = 20T, Falk Long Term Grease (LTG) was developed specifically for
1100T = 100T, etc. These couplings are designed to operate couplings. It resists separation of the oil and thickener. The
in either the horizontal or vertical position without modification. consistency of Falk LTG changes with operating conditions.
As manufactured it is an NLGI #1/2 grade. Working of the
CAUTION:Consult applicable local and national safety lubricant under actual service conditions causes it to become
codes for proper guarding of rotating members. Observe semifluid while the grease near the seals will set to a heavier
all safety rules when installing or servicing couplings. grade, helping to prevent leakage.
During assembly, seal keyways of vertical couplings to
prevent leakage. LTG is highly resistant to separation, easily out performing all
other lubricants tested. The resistance to separation allows the
WARNING: Lockout starting switch of prime mover and lubricant to be used for relatively long periods of time.
remove all external loads from drive before installing or
servicing couplings. Steelflex couplings initially lubricated with LTG will not require
re-lubrication until the connected equipment is stopped for
servicing. If a coupling leaks grease, is exposed to extreme
Lube Fittings temperatures, excessive moisture, or experiences frequent
Depending on coupling size, cover halves have 1/8 or 3/8 NPT reversals, more frequent lubrication may be required.
Iube holes. Use a standard grease gun and Iube fitting as
Although LTG grease is compatible with most other coupling
instructed on Page 4.
greases, the mixing of greases may dilute the benefits of LTG.

Limited End Float USDA Approval

When electric motors, generators, engines, compressors, and
LTG has the United States Department of Agriculture Food
other machines are fitted with sleeve or straight roller bearings,
Safety & Inspection Service approval for applications
limited axial end float kits are recommended for protecting the
where there is no possibility of contact with edible
bearings. Falk Steelflex couplings are easily modified to limit
products. (H-2 ratings).
end float; refer to Manual 428-820 for instructions.
CAUTION:Do not use LTG in bearings.
Lubrication
Adequate lubrication is essential for satisfactory operation.
Page 2 provides a list of typical lubricants and specifications
for general purpose and long term greases. Because of
its superior lubricating characteristics and low centrifuge
properties, Falk Long Term Grease (LTG) is highly
recommended. Sizes 1020T to 1090T20 are furnished with
a pre-measured amount of grease for each coupling. The
grease can be ordered for larger size couplings.

Rexnord 428-210
5555 S. Moorland Rd., New Berlin, WI 53151-7953 March 2003 (9-05 Pdf revision)
Telephone: 262-796-4060 Fax: 262-796-4064 www.rexnord.com Supersedes 11-00
Falk Steelflex Couplings • Installation and Maintenance
(Page 2 of 6) Type T20 • Sizes 1020–1170 & 20–170

Specifications — Falk LTG Installation Of Type T20 Steelflex

The values shown are typical and slight variations Tapered Grid Couplings
are permissible.
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE RANGE — -20°F (-29°C) to
250°F (121°C). Min. Pump = 20° F (-7° C).
Installation
Only standard mechanics tools, wrenches, a straight edge,
MINIMUM BASE OIL VISCOSITY — 3300SSU (715cST) @
and feeler gauges are required to install Falk Steelflex
100°F (38°C).
couplings. Clean all parts using a non-flammable solvent.
THICKENER — Lithium & soap/polymer. Check hubs, shafts and keyways for burrs. Coupling Sizes
CENTRIFUGE SEPARATION CHARACTERISTICS — ASTM 1020T thru 1090T are generally furnished for CLEARANCE
#D4425 (Centrifuge Test) — K36 = 2/24 max., very high FIT with setscrew over the keyway. Sizes 1100T and
resistance to centrifuging. larger are furnished for an INTERFERENCE FIT without a
setscrew.
NLGI GRADE (ASTM D-217) —1/2
CLEARANCE FIT HUBS — Clean all parts using a non-
CONSISTENCY (ASTM D-217) — 60 stroke worked flammable solvent. Check hubs, shafts, and keyways for
penetration value in the range of 315 to 360 measured at burrs. Do not heat clearance fit hubs. Install keys, mount
77°F (25°C) hubs with flange face flush with shaft ends or as otherwise
MINIMUM DROPPING POINT — 350°F (177°C) minimum specified and tighten setscrews.
MINIMUM TIMKEN O.K. LOAD — 40 lbs. INTERFERENCE FIT HUBS — Furnished without setscrews.
Heat hubs to a maximum of 275°F (135°C) using an
ADDITIVES — Rust and oxidation inhibitors that do not oven, torch, induction heater, or an oil bath. To prevent
corrode steel or swell or deteriorate synthetic seals. seal damage, DO NOT heat hubs beyond a maximum
temperature of 400°F (205°C).
Packaging
When an oxy-acetylene or blow torch is used, use an
14 oz (0,4 kg ) CARTRIDGES — Individual or case lots of excess acetylene mixture. Mark hubs near the center
10 or 30. of their length in several places on hub body with
35 lb (16 kg ) PAIL, 120 lb (54 kg ) KEG & 400 lb (181 kg) a temperature sensitive crayon, 275°F (135°C) melt
DRUMS. temperature. Direct flame towards hub bore using constant
motion to avoid overheating an area.
General Purpose Grease WARNING: If an oil bath is used, the oil must have a flash
point of 350°F (177°C) or higher. Do not rest hubs on the
Annual Lubrication — The following specifications and
bottom of the container. Do not use an open flame in a
lubricants for general purpose grease apply to Falk
combustible atmosphere or near combustible materials.
Steelflex couplings that are lubricated annually and operate
within ambient temperatures of 0°F to 150°F (-18°C to Heat hubs as instructed above. Mount hubs as quickly as
66°C). For temperatures beyond this range, refer to Falk. possible with hub face flush with shaft end. Allow hubs
to cool before proceeding. Insert setscrews (if required)
If a coupling leaks grease, is exposed to extreme
and tighten.
temperatures, excessive moisture, or experiences frequent
reversals, more frequent lubrication may be required.

Specifications — General Purpose

Coupling Lubricants
The values shown are typical and slight variations are
permissible.
DROPPING POINT — 300°F (149°C) or higher.
CONSISTENCY — NLGI No. 2 with 60 stroke worked
penetration value in the range of 250 to 300.
SEPARATION AND RESISTANCE — Low oil separation rate
and high resistance to separation from centrifuging.
LIQUID CONSTITUENT — Possess good lubricating
properties equivalent to a high quality, well refined
petroleum oil.
INACTIVE — Must not corrode steel or cause swelling or
deterioration of synthetic seals.
CLEAN — Free from foreign inclusions.

428-110 Rexnord
March 2003 (9-05 Pdf revision) 5555 S. Moorland Rd., New Berlin, WI 53151-7953
Supersedes 11-00 Telephone: 262-796-4060 Fax: 262-796-4064 www.rexnord.com
 Falk Steelflex Couplings • Installation and Maintenance
Type T20 • Sizes 1020–1170 & 20–170 (Page 3 of 6)

Maximize Performance And Life 3 — Offset Alignment

The performance and life of couplings depend largely
upon how you install and maintain them. Before installing
couplings, make certain that foundations of equipment
to be connected meet manufacturers’ requirements.
Check for soft foot. The use of stainless steel shims is
recommended. Measuring misalignment and positioning
equipment within alignment tolerances is simplified with an
alignment computer. These calculations can also be done
graphically or mathematically.
Alignment is shown using spacer bar and straight
edge. This practice has proven to be adequate for
many industrial applications. However, for superior final
alignment, the use of dial indicators (see Manual 458-834
for instructions), lasers, alignment computers, or graphical
analysis is recommended.
Align so that a straight edge rests squarely (or within the
1— Mount Covers, Seals & Hubs limits specified in Table 1) on both hubs as shown above
and also at 90° intervals. Check with feelers. The clear-
ance must not exceed the PARALLEL OFFSET installation
limits specified in Table 1. Tighten all foundation bolts and
repeat Steps 2 and 3. Realign coupling if necessary.

4 — InsertGrid

Lock out starting switch of prime mover. Clean all metal

parts using a non-flammable solvent. Place seals into each
cover half and lightly coat seals with grease. Place covers
on shafts BEFORE mounting hubs. Heat interference fit
hubs as previously instructed. Seal keyways to prevent
leakage. Mount hubs on their respective shafts so the
hub face is flush with the end of its shaft unless otherwise
indicated. Tighten setscrews when furnished.

2 — Gap & Angular Alignment

Insert gasket thru the gap and hang it on either hub. Pack
gap and grooves with specified lubricant before inserting
grid. When grids are furnished in two or more segments,
install them so that all cut ends extend in the same
direction (as detailed in the exploded view picture above);
this will assure correct grid contact with non-rotating pin
in cover halves. Spread the grid slightly to pass over the
coupling teeth and seat with a soft mallet.

Use a spacer bar equal in thickness to the gap specified

in Table 1, Page 5. Insert bar as shown below left, to same
depth at 90° intervals and measure clearance between bar
and hub face with feelers. The difference in minimum and
maximum measurements must not exceed the ANGULAR
installation limits specified in Table 1.

Rexnord 428-210
5555 S. Moorland Rd., New Berlin, WI 53151-7953 March 2003 (9-05 Pdf revision)
Telephone: 262-796-4060 Fax: 262-796-4064 www.rexnord.com Supersedes 11-00
Falk Steelflex Couplings • Installation and Maintenance
(Page 4 of 6) Type T20 • Sizes 1020–1170 & 20–170

5 — Pack With Grease & Assemble Covers Annual Maintenance

For extreme or unusual operating conditions, check
coupling more frequently.
1. Check alignment per steps on Page 3. If the maximum
operating misalignment limits are exceeded, realign the
coupling to the recommended installation limits. See
Table 1 for installation and operating alignment limits.
2. Check tightening torques of all fasteners.
3. Inspect seal ring and gasket to determine if
replacement is required. If leaking grease, replace.
4. When connected equipment is serviced, disassemble
the coupling and inspect for wear. Replace worn parts.
Clean grease from coupling and repack with new
grease. Install coupling using new gasket as instructed
in this manual.

Periodic Lubrication

Pack the spaces between and around the grid with as

much lubricant as possible and wipe off excess flush with
The required frequency of lubrication is directly related to
top of grid. Make certain lube plugs are removed to ease
the type of lubricant chosen, and the operating conditions.
in cover assembly. Slide cover halves with seals onto hubs
Steelflex couplings lubricated with general purpose
and position with lube holes 180° apart (90° apart for Sizes
coupling greases, should be relubed annually. The use of
1150 thru 1170). Line up cover and gasket bolt holes and
Falk Long Term Grease (LTG) will allow relube intervals
secure with fasteners; tighten to torque specified in Table
to be extended to beyond five years. When relubing,
1. CAUTION: Make certain lube plugs are installed before
remove both lube plugs and insert lube fitting. Fill with
operating.
recommended lubricant until an excess appears at the
opposite hole. CAUTION: Make certain all plugs have been
inserted after lubricating.

Coupling Disassembly & Grid Removal

Whenever it is necessary to disconnect the coupling,

remove the cover halves and grid. A round rod or
screwdriver that will conveniently fit into the open loop
ends of the grid is required. Begin at the open end of the
grid section and insert the rod or screwdriver into the loop
ends. Use the teeth adjacent to each loop as a fulcrum
and pry the grid out radially in even, gradual stages,
proceeding alternately from side to side.

428-110 Rexnord
March 2003 (9-05 Pdf revision) 5555 S. Moorland Rd., New Berlin, WI 53151-7953
Supersedes 11-00 Telephone: 262-796-4060 Fax: 262-796-4064 www.rexnord.com
 Falk Steelflex Couplings • Installation and Maintenance
Type T20 • Sizes 1020–1170 & 20–170 (Page 5 of 6)

Type T Coupling Installation & Values may be combined for an installation or operating
condition.
Alignment Data
Example: 1060T max. operating misalignment is .016"
Maximum life and minimum maintenance for the coupling parallel plus .018" angular.
and connected machinery will result if couplings are
accurately aligned. Coupling life expectancy between NOTE: For applications requiring greater misalignment, refer
initial alignment and maximum operating limits is a function application details to the Factory.
of load, speed and lubrication. Maximum operating values Angular misalignment is dimension X minus Y as illustrated
listed in Table 1 are based on cataloged allowable rpm. below.
Values listed are based upon the use of the gaps listed, Parallel misalignment is distance P between the hub center
standard coupling components, standard assemblies, and lines as illustrated below.
cataloged allowable speeds.
End float (with zero angular and parallel misalignment) is the
axial movement of the hubs(s) within the cover(s) measured
from “O” gap.

ANGULAR MISALIGNMENT PARALLEL OFFSET MISALIGNMENT END FLOAT

Y F F
P

X GAP

TABLE 1 — Misalignment & End Float

Installation Limits Operating Limits
Cover Fastener
Parallel Angular Hub Gap Parallel Angular End Float Tightening Allow Lube Wt
SIZE Offset-P (x-y) ±10% Offset-P (x-y) Physical Limit Torque Values Speed
(Min) 2xF (rpm)
Max Max Max Max Max Max Max Max
Inch mm Inch mm Inch mm Inch mm Inch mm Inch mm (lb-in) (Nm) lb kg
1020T .006 0,15 .003 0,08 .125 3 .012 0,30 .010 0,25 .186 4,72 100 11,3 6000 .06 0,03
1030T .006 0,15 .003 0,08 .125 3 .012 0,30 .012 0,30 .186 4,72 100 11,3 6000 .09 0,04
1040T .006 0,15 .003 0,08 .125 3 .012 0,30 .013 0,33 .186 4,72 100 11,3 6000 .12 0,05
1050T .008 0,20 .004 0,10 .125 3 .016 0,41 .016 0,41 .186 4,72 200 23,6 6000 .15 0,07
1060T .008 0,20 .005 0,13 .125 3 .016 0,41 .018 0,46 .220 5,59 200 22,6 6000 .19 0,09
1070T .008 0,20 .005 0,13 .125 3 .016 0,41 .020 0,51 .220 5,59 200 22,6 5500 .25 0,11
1080T .008 0,20 .006 0,15 .125 3 .016 0,41 .024 0,61 .282 7,16 200 22,6 4750 .38 0,17
1090T .008 0,20 .007 0,18 .125 3 .016 0,41 .028 0,71 .282 7,16 200 22,6 4000 .56 0,25
1100T .010 0,25 .008 0,20 .188 5 .020 0,51 .033 0,84 .408 10,36 260 29,4 3250 .94 0,43
1110T .010 0,25 .009 0,23 .188 5 .020 0,51 .036 0,91 .408 10,36 260 29,4 3000 1.1 0,51
1120T .011 0,28 .010 0,25 .250 6 .022 0,56 .040 1,02 .546 13,87 260 29,4 2700 1.6 0,74
1130T .011 0,28 .012 0,30 .250 6 .022 0,56 .047 1,19 .548 13,92 650 73,4 2400 2.0 0,91
1140T .011 0,28 .013 0,33 .250 6 .022 0,56 .053 1,35 .568 14,43 650 73,4 2200 2.5 1,14
1150T .012 0,30 .016 0,41 .250 6 .024 0,61 .062 1,57 .620 15,75 650 146 2000 4.2 1,91
1160T .012 0,30 .018 0,46 .250 6 .024 0,61 .070 1,78 .630 16,00 1300 146 1750 6.2 2,81
1170T .012 0,30 .020 0,51 .250 6 .024 0,61 .079 2,01 .630 16,00 1300 146 1600 7.7 3,49

Rexnord 428-210
5555 S. Moorland Rd., New Berlin, WI 53151-7953 March 2003 (9-05 Pdf revision)
Telephone: 262-796-4060 Fax: 262-796-4064 www.rexnord.com Supersedes 11-00
Falk Steelflex Couplings • Installation and Maintenance
(Page 6 of 6) Type T20 • Sizes 1020–1170 & 20–170

Parts Identification Parts Interchangeability

All coupling parts have identifying part numbers as shown Parts are interchangeable between Sizes 20T and 1020T,
below. Parts 3 and 4 (Hubs and Grids), are the same for 30T and 1030T, etc. except as noted.
both Type T10 and T20 couplings. All other coupling parts GRIDS — Size 1020T thru 1140T Steelflex couplings use
are unique to Type T20. When ordering parts, always blue grids or non-painted grids. Older models, 20T thru
SPECIFY SIZE and TYPE shown on the COVER. 140T, use orange grids.
CAUTION:Blue grids may be used in all applications, but
DO NOT substitute orange grids for blue.

PART NUMBER LOCATION

7 2 5 2
3 4
SIZE & 1 SIZE 3 1
PART
NUMBER

SIZE, PART NUMBER

& BORE

PART DESCRIPTION ORDER INFORMATION

1. Seal (T20) 1. Identify part(s) required by name above.
2. Cover (T20) 2. Furnish the following
3. Hub (Specify bore and keyway) information.
4. Grid EXAMPLE:
5. Gasket (T20) Coupling Size: 1030
6. Fasteners (T20) — Coupling may be supplied with one Coupling Type: T20
set each of inch series fasteners and metric fasteners. Model: B
7. Lube Plug Bore: 1.375
Keyway: .375 x .187
3. Price parts from appropriate price list and discount
sheet.

428-110 Rexnord
March 2003 (9-05 Pdf revision) 5555 S. Moorland Rd., New Berlin, WI 53151-7953
Supersedes 11-00 Telephone: 262-796-4060 Fax: 262-796-4064 www.rexnord.com