TL;DR
Gearbox vibration is usually shaft misalignment between the Movigear output and the driven machine, or worn bearings inside the unit. Check alignment first since it is the more correctable cause.
What you might see
- elevated vibration on the gearbox housing
- vibration increases with speed or load
- noise changing character over weeks
- fasteners loosening more frequently
Likely causes
Misalignment between the SEW Movigear output shaft and the driven machine input shaft
Worn internal bearings from age, contamination, or overload
Loose mounting bolts allowing the Movigear to rock on its mount
Gear tooth wear producing vibration at mesh frequency
Required tools
- LOTO kit
- Torque wrench
- Dial indicator or laser alignment tool
- Shim stock
- Vibration meter
Safety first
- Secure the driven load against backdrive before working on the coupling or alignment.
- Re-torque all mounting fasteners after any alignment adjustment. Alignment correction shifts the load path on the bolts.
Procedure
- 1
Lock out the prime mover. Check all mounting bolts for tightness and torque to the SEW specification for the housing size.[1]
- 2
Check for soft foot: loosen each mounting bolt one at a time and check whether the housing lifts off the mounting surface by more than 0.1 mm. Shim any soft foot.
- 3
Measure the shaft alignment between the Movigear output and the driven machine using a dial indicator or laser tool. Parallel offset should be within 0.05 mm; angular should be within 0.1 mm per 100 mm of coupling diameter.[1]
- 4
Adjust the Movigear or the driven machine position until alignment is within specification.
- 5
Re-energize and take a vibration reading at the gearbox housing near each bearing location. Velocity above 2.5 mm/s for a gearbox in this service class is a maintenance action trigger.
- 6
If alignment is good and vibration remains elevated, drain the oil and inspect for metal particles (see the grinding-noise procedure on this machine). Internal bearing wear produces elevated vibration without obvious external symptoms.
Sources
SEW-Eurodrive Movigear Operating Instructions, SEW-Eurodrive
SEW-Eurodrive Movigear Installation and Operating Instructions, alignment and mounting requirements (general)
View source
More guides for SEW-Eurodrive Movigear
How to diagnose bearing noise in a SEW Movigear gearbox
Bearing noise in a gearbox is usually fatigue from exceeded service life or contamination through a failed seal. Drain and inspect the oil for bearing material. If debris is present, the Movigear needs replacement.
How to diagnose difficulty shifting on a SEW Movigear manual speed reducer
Hard shifting in a manual-shift speed reducer is most often worn synchronizers or a bent shift fork. Drain the oil and inspect the fork and synchro rings before ordering parts.
How to respond to visible gear tooth wear on a SEW Movigear
Visible tooth wear means the unit is past its designed surface fatigue life or has been running under poor lubrication or overload. Assess wear depth, identify the root cause, and plan replacement. Adding oil will not reverse surface damage.
How to diagnose grinding noise from gear pitting on a SEW Movigear
Grinding noise with metal particles in the oil means gear tooth spalling. Drain and inspect the oil immediately. If metal debris confirms gear damage, the unit needs replacement, not oil top-up.
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