Coupling Misalignment: Don't Let This Happen to You
Flexible couplings are a great invention and perform well under a variety of conditions. The design of a flexible coupling allows them to perform under circumstances that are less than ideal, but even the best flexible coupling is destined to fail in a hostile environment where two connected shafts are misaligned.
Yes, we can hear what you're thinking, "I never worry about aligning shafts with a flexible coupling and I've never had a problem." You, then, are either very lucky indeed or replacing couplings sooner than your competitors.
Quite often, customers come to the Hayes coupling experts when they're dealing with repeated coupling, bearing, gear, seal and motor problems. They're looking for answers and, quite often, one of the reasons could be misalignment.
Misaligned shafts put excessive stress on the coupling and all the attached components. It may happen immediately or it may take months, but misaligned shafts are a well-known source of failures.
So, check for good shaft alignment when you install a flexible coupling. It could save you a lot of time, money and aggravation in the future.
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Install couplings on pump and motor shafts. |
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Misalignment is easily detected with a straight edge and using a .005 feeler gage on top and side of coupling will give ample alignment. |
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Use drive insert between dirt seals for gage to determine distance between coupling halves, leaving approximately 1/32 clearance per side. (Insert should not run in compressed state.) |
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Recheck alignment with straight edge and tighten. (Coupling can also be aligned with insert installed.) No more than 1° maximum angular misalignment. |
Please remember that if excess vibration or misalignment are present in your system it will cause the rubber insert to wear rapidly.
The rubber element is the safety factor in your system. It could protect the system from serious damage caused by either of these two conditions.
We strongly recommend accurate alignment and minimum vibration when using a flexible coupling in order to obtain maximum life.