CASE STUDY Lubrication Fix Restores Motor Health at Automotive Plant
In automotive manufacturing, motors drive critical filtration systems that keep production processes clean and compliant. At a Waites' customer's auto plant, the motor on the phosphate sludge filter began showing increasing acceleration and peak-to-peak vibration levels. If left unresolved, the issue could have disrupted pre-treatment operations, impacting production quality and delivery schedules.
Waites’ monitoring detected a gradual rise in X-axis acceleration and peak-to-peak vibration on the motor’s drive-end bearing, along with random high-frequency peaks in the FFT spectrum. These indicators pointed to insufficient lubrication and potential bearing wear. Maintenance was advised to lubricate the bearings and review lubrication practices to prevent further deterioration.
X-axis acceleration on the motor’s drive-end bearing steadily increased, signaling lubrication deficiency and early bearing wear.
Y-axis acceleration and peak-to-peak vibration levels dropped significantly after lubrication, confirming restoration of normal operating levels.
The maintenance team greased the motor bearings. Subsequent vibration readings showed marked improvement, and Waites’ analysts verified that the corrective action restored the bearing’s health and stability.