DS 5000 bearing bad??

[dogwasher]

One of my DS 5000 units is making a knocking noise when it travels in one direction only and when it is driving up the arch. The knocking noise appears to be coming from the sprocket bearing area?

 

[MEP001]

It's more than likely the sprocket worn - do you have the HD chain or the regular stuff? With the HD stuff it will wear into every other sprocket, and you can bump it to the unworn one to get some more life out of it.

 

[dogwasher]

I do use the HD chain...actually we installed a complete new chain last night and still same noise.

 

[MEP001]

Look at the sprocket in the drive wheel.

It will run a lot smoother with standard chain, and it's less expensive.

 

[cleaning up mud]

I agree its most likely the sproket! I have never had a bearing go bad on my 5000.

 

[dogwasher]

Have you ever changed your sprocket? The heavy knocking noise went away for A few days and is back again now only when the gantry heads down the pole vertically on one end only.

 

[MEP001]

Did you ever look at the sprocket?

 

[dogwasher]

Yes it looks ok..but I'm not sure what it looked like new.

 

[MEP001]

When you run HD chain, the sprocket only engages every other tooth in the chain. It tends to make it bounce, and every other sprocket gap will get worn more. It gets even worse when the wheels get worn - if the edges are worn where they're completely rounded to fit the rails, you can disassemble the wheels and remove the spacer. If that's been done already, it's time to replace the wheel assembly.

 

[dogwasher]

Thanks MEP this is very helpful. I did notice the wheels have "slightly" started to form a groove in my stainless rails...this concerned me. I have not Removed a spacer I will ask my attendant if he noticed this spacer and to take it out.
I don't understand how the HD chain hits every other link but I'm going to take a close look so I understand what your telling me.