Vibrating screens are among the most continuously operated and harshest-condition equipment in mining, building materials, and chemical industries. A typical vibrating screen runs around the clock, enduring constant vibration impact and material abrasion.
Many companies operate in a “fix when broken” mode, leading to:
Unexpected shutdowns that paralyze entire production lines
Emergency parts procurement with high rush fees and long wait times
Overworked maintenance crews with increased safety risks
Shortened equipment life and premature replacement costs
The reality: The vast majority of vibrating screen failures can be prevented through routine inspections and preventive maintenance.
Below, we systematically outline vibrating screen maintenance and troubleshooting through four dimensions: Look, Listen, Feel, and Check.
Operators should inspect the screen at least once per shift. Key observations:
| Item | Normal Condition | Warning Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Symmetrical operation | Even motion on both sides | One side vibrates more than the other |
| Material distribution | Even coverage across screen | Localized buildup or one-sided accumulation |
| Screen condition | Flat, intact surface | Uneven surface, tears, or holes |
| Undersize product | Uniform particle size | Coarse particles present – possible screen damage |
Pro tip: Hold a pencil against the side wall of the screen to trace the “stroke pattern.” If the patterns on both sides don‘t match, the machine is unbalanced and needs immediate attention.
Normal operation produces a steady, uniform vibration sound. The following abnormal sounds require immediate attention:
“Clanking” or “banging” → Possible spring damage, loose screen, or bolt failure
“Squealing” → Possible bearing lubrication issue or seal wear
“Humming” resonance → Possible operation in resonance zone – adjust frequency
Irregular knocking → Possible cracks in screen box or side plates
Key principle: Listen to diagnose. Experienced operators can detect potential issues from sound changes alone. New operators should learn the “normal sound” of the machine to recognize abnormalities.
Bearing temperature is the core indicator of equipment health.
Normal range: Bearings should remain between 35–60℃
Above 70℃ (overheating) : Possible causes:
Insufficient or degraded lubricant
Incorrect bearing clearance (vibrating screens require large-clearance bearings)
Bearing cover too tight, restricting heat dissipation
Bearing wear or quality issues
Pro tip: Use the back of your hand near the bearing housing to sense temperature (safety first – never touch moving parts). If it’s too hot to hold, temperature is excessive – shut down and inspect immediately.
Perform visual inspections of the following key areas each shift:
Screen mesh – tears, slack, or blinding
Bolts – loose exciter or screen box bolts
Springs – deformation, cracks, or rubber aging
Screen frame – cracks in side plates or welds
Drive belts – slack or wear
Possible causes:
Insufficient voltage – screens designed for 380V; low voltage reduces amplitude
Improper eccentric weight – too few weights or incorrect angle
Material buildup – excess material on screen or in discharge chute increases startup load
Motor or electrical component failure
Exciter issues – thickened grease or exciter damage
Solutions:
Check supply voltage – ensure it meets requirements
Adjust eccentric weights: smaller angle → greater excitation force → larger amplitude
Add eccentric weights to increase amplitude
Thoroughly clean accumulated material before restarting
Replace damaged motors or electrical components
Critical reminder: When adjusting amplitude, all vibration sources must be adjusted equally – otherwise, equipment damage will occur!
Possible causes:
Insufficient or degraded lubricant
Incorrect bearing clearance (standard clearance doesn‘t work for vibrating screens)
Bearing cover too tight, restricting heat dissipation
Bearing wear or quality issues
Solutions:
Add or replace lubricant promptly
Verify large-clearance bearings are installed
Adjust gap between cover and bearing outer ring for proper heat dissipation
Replace bearings if severely worn
Possible causes:
Blinded or damaged screen
High material moisture (sticky materials)
Uneven feed distribution, localized buildup
Loose screen tension
Solutions:
Stop and clean or replace screen
Adjust screen inclination (steeper angle = higher throughput but lower accuracy)
Regulate feed rate for even distribution
Tighten screen
Possible causes:
Cracked screen box or side plates
Bearing damage
Loose screen or bolts
Damaged springs (uneven length, changed stiffness)
Material impact against chutes
Solutions:
Inspect screen frame and side plates – weld repair if cracked
Tighten all bolts
Replace damaged springs or switch to rubber springs
Line chute interiors with rubber to reduce noise
Implement a “Weekly – Monthly – Yearly” three-level inspection system with dedicated personnel.
| Item | Check |
|---|---|
| Exciter bolts | Tightness |
| All connection bolts | Tightness |
| Screen surface | Slack, damage, oversized openings |
| Issues found | Address immediately |
| Item | Check |
|---|---|
| Screen frame components | Cracks in structure or welds |
| Crack repair | Clean surface → drill Φ5mm at crack end → chamfer & preheat → weld → grind smooth → add reinforcement plate |
Critical: To avoid stress concentration, never cut holes or weld attachments on the screen frame without authorization!
| Item | Check |
|---|---|
| Exciter | Full cleaning and overhaul |
| Bearings | Check for pitting – replace entire set if found |
| Bearing replacement | Heat new bearing inner ring in oil to 80–100℃ before installation |
| Reassembly | Eccentric blocks on both exciters must maintain the same phase |
Critical detail: During disassembly, mark bearing inner rings and housings together to avoid mix-ups during reassembly – maintain original clearance.
Lubrication is the most overlooked yet most critical aspect of vibrating screen maintenance.
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| First oil change | After 40 hours of operation |
| Regular oil change | Every 120 hours |
| Oil grade | GB13895-1992 Heavy-duty vehicle gear oil GL-5 |
| Oil quantity | Remove level plug – slight continuous drip indicates correct level |
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Grease grade | GB7324-1994 General-purpose lithium grease No. 3 |
| Grease frequency | Every 15 days |
| Grease quantity | 50–100ml per point per application |
| Application tool | Grease gun对准 grease fitting |
Perform a complete exciter bearing cleaning once per year to ensure proper lubrication.
❌ Myth 1: “If it‘s still running, no need to fix it”
→ Waiting until complete failure costs far more than preventive maintenance
❌ Myth 2: “More grease is always better”
→ Over-greasing reduces heat dissipation and causes overheating
❌ Myth 3: “Any lubricant will do”
→ Always use specified grades – mixing different brands can cause chemical reactions
❌ Myth 4: “Just weld a crack quickly”
→ Frame cracks must be repaired properly (drill, chamfer, preheat, weld, grind, reinforce) – improper welding causes stress concentration and crack propagation
Vibrating screen maintenance is not “optional extra work” – it is essential investment for stable production line operation.
Remember three key words:
LOOK – observe operating conditions, catch issues early
LISTEN – detect sound changes, anticipate potential failures
CHECK – follow the three-level inspection system, eliminate problems before they escalate
A scientific maintenance system can extend screen life by 30%+ and reduce unplanned downtime by 50%+. Prevention is always better than cure.
If you encounter any issues with vibrating screen operation or maintenance, please contact Henan Quanshun Vibration Co., Ltd. We provide not only quality screening equipment but also full life-cycle technical support.
