How to Set a Spur Gear Backlash
A spur gear consists of two flat gears that mesh together. One gear is adjustable and usually fixed to an electric motor and the second gear is usually a fixed gear and attached to a shaft. The backlash is the amount of space between the teeth on the gears. If you have too much backlash, the gears make a lot of noise and eventually the teeth break. If you do not have enough backlash, the gears press together too hard and build up heat. This can cause premature wearing of the gears. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Loosen the bolt or bolts that secure the adjustable spur gear against the fixed spur gear. With the bolt loosened, pull the adjustable spur gear away from the fixed spur gear.
-
2
Place a single piece of paper between the gear teeth if your spur gear’s teeth have a 48-degree pitch. If the gear has larger 32-degree-pitched teeth, fold the paper in half and place the paper between the teeth.
-
-
3
Press the adjustable spur gear against the fixed spur gear so the paper conforms to the teeth. Tighten the bolt or bolts to secure the adjustable spur gear in place.
-
4
Remove the paper from between the spur gears.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
You should be able to turn the spur gears without a lot of force. If you cannot turn the gears, you do not have enough space between the gears. If you turn on the equipment and the gears make a lot of noise, you have too much backlash. You can add backlash by adding an additional piece of paper or you can reduce backlash by using thinner paper stock.
