MEPX
Chapter 9 of 10All chapters
  1. 1The simple machines
  2. 2Levers and gears
  3. 3Engines
  4. 4Hydraulics and pneumatics
  5. 5Getting power where it is needed
  6. 6Household machines
  7. 7Electric motors and generators
  8. 8Efficiency and losses
  9. 9Why machines fail
  10. 10Working out an unfamiliar machine

Chapter 9 of 10

Why machines fail

Wear, fatigue and neglect.

The usual causes

Friction removes material, repeated loading cracks parts through fatigue, corrosion eats them, and contamination accelerates all three. Sudden failures usually have a long quiet history.

  • Most bearing failures come from contamination or wrong lubrication.
  • Vibration and noise are the earliest and cheapest warning signs.

Maintenance strategies

Fix on failure, service on a schedule, or monitor condition and act when readings drift. The third costs the most to set up and prevents the most unplanned downtime.