Stay safe. Follow procedures in the Operation Manual. Always use proper protective equipment, fully power down machines and use locks before service. Salford is not liable for injury or damage caused by improper maintenance or operation. Contact your Salford dealer for more information or support.
Regular maintenance of your AerWay machine is essential for its longevity and optimal performance. One critical aspect of this maintenance is deciding when to replace the bearings, particularly when dealing with a failed trunnion bearing. In this guide, we will provide detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to evaluate and replace bearings on your AerWay machine.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Initial Evaluation: Inspection
Begin with a thorough inspection of your AerWay machine before starting operations:
- Check All Bearings: Inspect each bearing on the machine for any signs of wear or damage.
- Identify Problem Areas: If a bearing appears to be at the end of its lifecycle or is already failing, make a note of it.
2. Decision Point: Replace One or All Bearings?
The decision to replace just the failed bearing or all bearings on the gang depends on several factors:
- Before Operation: If you detect an issue during your pre-operation inspection and only one bearing is worn, it is usually sufficient to replace just that bearing.
- Multiple Bearings Showing Wear: If more than one bearing shows signs of wear or damage, it is wise to replace all bearings on the gang to prevent future failures.
- Acreage and Usage: Machines that have been heavily used may require more extensive bearing replacements due to the increased likelihood of multiple bearings being near the end of their lifespan.
3. Gather the Necessary Parts: To complete this upgrade, you will need the following items.
For the AerWay C-Flex & AerWay CCT:
- 10044996 TRUNNION BEARING ASSEMBLY, 50MM, PERM-LUBE
4. In-Field Replacement Process
If a bearing fails while you are in the field:
- Stop Operations Immediately: Continuing to operate with a failed bearing can cause further damage to the machine.
- Replace Both Bearings on the Affected Gang: Even if only one bearing has failed, it is recommended to replace both bearings on the affected gang. This prevents any potential damage at the opposite end from causing future issues.
- Check for Additional Damage: While replacing the bearings, inspect the gang for any additional damage that might have occurred due to the bearing failure.
5. Post-Replacement Inspection
After replacing the bearings, conduct a final inspection:
- Ensure Proper Installation: Verify that the new bearings are correctly installed and secured.
- Test Run: Perform a short test run to ensure everything is operating smoothly. Listen for any unusual noises that could indicate improper installation or additional issues.
- Re-inspect Other Gangs: If one gang had a failure, check the other gangs as a precautionary measure to avoid future downtime.
Tips and Troubleshooting
- Carrying Spare Bearings: Always keep spare bearings on hand to minimize downtime during fieldwork.
- Regular Inspections: Make daily inspections a habit to catch bearing wear early and prevent more significant issues.
- Use Quality Parts: Always use high-quality, OEM parts for replacements to ensure the longevity and reliability of your machine.
Deciding whether to replace a single bearing or all bearings on your AerWay machine involves assessing the condition of each component, the usage of your machine, and the timing of the failure. By following this comprehensive guide, you can make informed decisions that will help keep your machine running efficiently.
For more detailed instructions, check out our YouTube video on AerWay Bearings Replacement. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more helpful videos.
For additional support, contact your Salford dealer or visit the Salford Connect Portal.
