ABB IRC5P, Product Manual, Page: 189 / 220

8 Trouble Shooting
Product Manual, Control Cabinet IRC5P 3HNA009834-001 en Rev.06 189
8.3 Fault Symptoms and Malfunctions
8.3.15 Mechanical Noise
Description
During operation, no abnormal mechanical noise should be heard from motors,
gearboxes, bearings or similar. A faulty bearing often makes scraping, grinding or
clicking noises shortly before failing.
Consequences
Failing bearings cause the path accuracy to become inconsistent, and in severe
cases, the joint may be completely damaged.
Possible Causes
The symptom may be caused by:
• Worn bearings.
• Contaminations have entered the bearing races.
• Loss of lubrication in bearings.
• Overheating (If the noise comes from a gearbox).
Recommended Actions
CAUTION!
Parts of the manipulator may be hot and care must be taken to avoid
touching these components before they have been allowed to cool down.
Step Action Comment
1 Determine which bearing is causing the noise.
2 Make sure the bearing has sufficient
lubrication, and is not contaminated. See ‘Product Manual, Manipulator’.
3 If possible, disassemble the joint and measure
the clearance. See ‘Product Manual, Manipulator’.
4 Bearings inside motors are not to be replaced
individually; The complete motor must be
replaced. Replace faulty motors. See ‘Product
Manual, Manipulator’.
5 Make sure the bearings are fitted correctly. See ‘Product Manual, Manipulator’ for
general information on how to handle
bearings.
6 Too hot gearbox oil may be caused by:
– Oil quality or level used is incorrect.
– The robot work cycle runs a specific axis too
hard. Investigate whether it is possible to
program small ‘cooling periods’ into the
application.
– High pressure created inside gearbox.
Check the recommended oil level and
type as specified in ‘Product Manual,
Manipulator’.