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Transmission Belt Failure Modes and Correction Actions

Failure Mode

 Possible Causes Correction / Preventive Actions Additional Notes
1. Breaking

1. Overload
2. Too heavy inertia of driven pulley
3. Pulley diameter too small
4. Excessive initial tension
5. Belt crimped or operated improperly
6. Misalignment of belt axis
7. Foreign objects in the system

1. Check design, calculate correct width
2. Select proper pulley
3. Re-design pulley, increase meshing teeth
4. Adjust initial tension
5. Avoid crimping
6. Align axis properly
7. Clean system, remove debris

 Ensure operator training to avoid improper installation
2. Excessive wear of belt side

1. Non-parallel pulleys
2. Weak bearing axis rigidity
3. Protective ring bending
4. Rough protective ring surface
5. Friction with other components

1. Adjust pulley parallelism
2. Strengthen or fix bearing axis
3. Correct or replace protective ring
4. Smooth protective ring
5. Inspect baffles or brackets

 Side wear often caused by misalignment or lack of lubrication
3. Excessive wear of teeth

1. Overload
2. High initial tension
3. Rough pulley surface
4. Pulley radial runout
5. Dust or sand
6. Vibrations
7. Pollutants entering gears

1. Check design and select correct width
2. Adjust initial tension
3. Smooth pulley surface
4. Correct radial runout
5. Prevent debris entry
6. Use shock absorbers
7. Clean gears

 Teeth wear affects synchronous operation; maintain clean environment
4. Teeth shearing

1. Overload or shock load
2. Insufficient number of meshing teeth
3. Low initial tension
4. Pulley diameter too small
5. High temperature or oil contact
6. Frequent equipment switching

1. Check design and adjust pulley teeth
2. Increase pulley diameter
3. Adjust initial tension
4. Use protective covers
5. Control environment temperature
6. Prevent frequent switching

 Ensure correct belt selection for load and speed
5. Vertical cracks of belt

1. Belt runs off pulley
2. Belt runs off protective ring
3. Damage from protective ring or tools during installation

1. Adjust axis parallelism
2. Check and align protective ring
3. Train operators and handle carefully

 Cracks reduce belt life and may lead to sudden breakage
6. Elongation

1. Bearing not fixed properly
2. Loose tensile members
3. Loose tension pulley
4. Worn pulley
5. Overload

1. Install/fix bearing securely
2. Replace belt if stretched
3. Adjust or improve tension pulley
4. Replace worn pulley
5. Check design and width

 Elongation reduces transmission accuracy and may cause slippage
7. Noises (squealing, whine)

1. Overload
2. High initial tension
3. Pulley misalignment
4. Pulley diameter too small
5. Poor meshing

1. Check system design
2. Adjust tension
3. Align pulleys
4. Correct pulley diameter
5. Ensure proper belt-pulley contact

 Noises often indicate misalignment or wear; may damage belt over time
8. Belt back cracks or becomes soft

1. Excessive environmental temperature

1. Control storage and operating temperature

 High temperature accelerates aging and reduces elasticity

Notes for Users:

  1. Always verify belt type and width according to load, speed, and pulley specifications.
  2. Maintain clean operating environment to prevent debris or dust entering pulley grooves.
  3. Regularly inspect belt, pulleys, and protective rings to catch early signs of wear or misalignment.
  4. Use tension measurement tools to avoid over-tightening or under-tensioning belts.
  5. Train operators on proper handling and installation methods to prevent mechanical damage.