In most applications, gearbox reliability is critical to the productivity of the overall plant operation. So it follows that when industry is looking at the best ways to increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and increase profitability, gearbox performance and reliability are key factors. Designing for repair, and writing effective repair procedures, can speed the service time, and provide a quality refurbishment. The best practices listed in this article are proven, effective methods used to install and remove bearings, seals, gears, couplings and shafts within a gearbox.

Introduction
When industry is looking at the best
ways to increase efficiency, reduce
downtime and increase profitability,
gearbox performance and reliability are
key factors. In most applications gearbox
reliability is critical to the productivity
of the overall plant operation.
Repair is often required with a swift
turnaround, as down time is very expensive.
Designing for repair, and writing
effective repair procedures, can
speed the service time, and provide
a quality refurbishment. Minimizing
down time and extending service life
will contribute significantly to achieving
the lowest overall operation costs.
The best practices listed below are
proven, effective methods used to install
and remove bearings, seals, gears,
couplings and shafts within a gearbox.
These techniques are not new, and are
usually obtained by hard-won experience.
Collecting them in one location
is an attempt to document the best
practices and provide a reference for
design engineers. Engineers write the
procedures for assembly and disassembly,
they also dictate to the rest of the design team the design intent. Including
features to facilitate disassembly,
minimizes repair cycle time and helps
to prevent damage to components that
could radically compromise their design
life or performance.