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The below chart shows the most common chain failures and causes, but not necessarily the only ones.

   

Problem

Possible Causes of Problem

Suggested Remedy

   

TI_PinPin or Bushing Galling

  • Overload
  • Inadequate lubrication
  • Proper lubrication
  • Replace chain when elongation exceeds functional limits
   
TI_Turned_PinsTurned Pins
  • Overload
  • Inadequate lubrication
  •  Replace chain as soon as possible
   
Excessive Noise

 

  • Too little or too much slack
  • Chain obstruction
  • Loose chain guard or bearing

 

  • Adjust centers or take-up
  • Inspect and remove obstruction
  • Tighten bolts and check bearings
   
Chain Vibration

 

  • Excessive chain slack
  • Center distance too long
  • Stiff links

 

  • Adjust chain tensioner
  • Install idler
  • Lubricate or replace chain
   
Wear on inside of link
plate and one side of
sprocket teeth
  • Misalignment 

 

  • Realign sprockets and shafts
  • Replace chain and sprockets if necessary

 

   
Chain stiffens

 

  • Excessive load
  • Misalignment
  • Inadequate lubrication
  • Corrosion

 

  • Replace chain with one of suitable strength
  • Inspect alignment
  • Clean and establish correct lubrication
  • Replace with corrosion resistant chain
   
Chain Climbs Sprockets

 

  • Excessive chain wear
  • Excessive chain slack
  • Inadequate lubrication
  • Sprocket tooth wear

 

  • Replace chain
  • Install tensioner if necessary
  • Replace sprocket
   

TI_Fractured_PlateFractured Plate

  • Extreme overload
  • Inspect the drive to determine the cause of high load
  • Redesign drive using a higher capacity chain
   

TI_Broken_PinsBroken Pins

  • Extreme overload 
  • Inspect the drive to determine the cause of high load
  • Redesign drive using a higher capacity chain
   

TI_Broken_Pins_CenterBroken Pins (center)

  • Loading is greater than pins dynamic capacity 
  • Inspect the drive to determine the cause of high load
  • Redesign drive using a higher capacity chain
   
TI_Broken_Offset Broken Offset Link Pins 
  • Overload
  • One-pitch offset links are not recommended
  • Redesign drive using a higher capacity chain
   
TI_Fatigue_FractureFatigue Fracture 
  • Loading is greater than chain's dynamic capacity
  • Inspect the drive to determine the cause of high load
  • Redesign drive using a higher capacity chain 
   
TI_CrackingCracking
  •  Stress corrosion cracking
  • Protect the chain from corrosion
  • Install anti-corrosive chains
   

TI_Broken_RollersBroken Rollers

  • Foreign material between chain and sprocket tooth
  • Fatigue failure
  • Redesign chain speed and load
  • Shield drive from foreign matter
   

TI_Worn_PlatesWorn Plates

  • Bottom of plates worn due to rubbing on guides
  • Chain should be replaced when wear becomes over 5% of the plates height