Oil leakage in speed reducers is a common problem. The causes can include issues with the gearbox housing quality, lubricating oil quality, oil seal quality, and internal/external air pressure. Overfilling the gearbox with lubricating oil can also lead to overflow. Once an oil leak occurs in the speed reducer, appropriate measures should be taken based on the specific situation. Below, we introduce some simple troubleshooting methods.
If the oil leak is caused by substandard casting quality of the worm gear reducer, you can first clean the leaking area of the casting with gasoline or other cleaning agents, then inject 20% hydrochloric acid. After one day, remove the hydrochloric acid and clean it again. The chemical reaction will generate ferrous chloride to block the pinholes or gaps.
Oil leakage is caused by poor oil return in the gearbox. When oil returns to the gearbox from the inside wall due to poor return, it cannot quickly flow back to the oil sump, potentially causing gradual leakage along the shaft. Possible solutions include installing an oil seal on the gearbox head and using an oil slinger ring to prevent oil leakage and allow it to flow back to the oil sump. Alternatively, an annular oil return groove can be designed on the parting surface of the gearbox base to allow oil to flow back into the gearbox, with some flowing to the bearings for lubrication. Gearbox cleaning and maintenance machines utilize the gearbox's existing oil supply and drainage system and filtered old oil to perform functions such as cleaning, rapid filtration of waste oil, and adding new oil. The operation does not alter the hardware or add cleaning agents, ensuring safe operation of the gearbox and extending its service life. This is an essential step in reducing gearbox malfunctions, and one that many companies often overlook.
The main cause of oil leakage is that the internal pressure of the reducer is greater than the external atmospheric pressure. The greater the pressure difference, the more serious the leakage. Therefore, reasonable pressure equalization measures should be taken. For example, a vent cap and vent plug should be designed on the gearbox cover. If the diameter of the vent cap and vent plug is too small, it will increase the internal and external pressure difference and cause oil leakage. Therefore, this should be checked during selection. You can open the vent cap cover, run the reducer at high speed for a few minutes, and touch the vent hole with your hand. If hot air is felt, the diameter is too small, and a larger vent cap should be replaced.
