TL;DR
Radial shaft play in a SEW Movigear output means the output bearing is worn. Measure play with a dial indicator. More than 0.1 mm radial movement on the output shaft means bearing replacement, which requires a unit exchange or authorized workshop repair.
What you might see
- perceptible radial or axial movement in output shaft
- coupling looseness at the output flange
- vibration increasing over weeks
- shaft seal leaking shortly after replacement
Likely causes
Worn output shaft bearing from fatigue or contamination causing radial clearance increase
Worn coupling hub bore from impact loads or insufficient coupling preload
Axial loads exceeding the output bearing's axial capacity causing premature fatigue
Loose coupling clamp allowing relative motion between the shaft and coupling hub
Required tools
- LOTO kit
- Dial indicator with magnetic base
- Coupling removal tools (puller if needed)
- Torque wrench
Safety first
- Secure the load against backdrive before removing the coupling.
- Do not attempt to run a unit with confirmed bearing play. The worn bearing will fail progressively and can cause the shaft to seize or the coupling to shear.
Procedure
- 1
Lock out the prime mover. Remove the coupling from the output shaft.
- 2
Mount a dial indicator with a magnetic base on the gearbox housing and position the probe perpendicular to the output shaft.[1]
- 3
Push and pull the shaft radially and read the total indicator runout. Radial play above 0.1 mm indicates worn output bearing.[1]
- 4
Check axial play by pushing and pulling the shaft along its axis. Axial play above 0.2 mm for this bearing size warrants investigation.
- 5
Inspect the coupling hub bore for fretting, wear marks, or ovality. A worn bore allows rocking motion that accelerates bearing damage.
- 6
Inspect the coupling clamping hardware (keyway, interference fit, or shrink disc) for looseness or damage. Re-torque or replace as needed.
- 7
If shaft play is confirmed out of tolerance, contact SEW-Eurodrive service. Output bearing replacement in the Movigear integrated unit is a workshop procedure, not a field repair. Arrange a unit exchange.
Sources
SEW-Eurodrive Movigear Operating Instructions, SEW-Eurodrive
SEW-Eurodrive Movigear Installation and Operating Instructions, output shaft and bearing inspection criteria (general)
View source
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