Hardinge TM Spindle Bearings

Hello,


I have a Hardinge TM and I think my spindle bearings are failing. The machine just started making a sound that almost sounds like the siren of a fire truck when the spindle is running. If I pull the belt, off of the motor, the motor sounds fine.


Since the other types of bearings usually squeal, when they go bad, I think it is probably the spindle bearings.


Does anybody have any advise or know where I can get a replacement set of spindle bearings?


Thanks,



Brian

The parts list for my TM lists only Hardinge part numbers. You might be able to cross ref through them, but of course they will want to sell their bearings which most likely will be very expensive.

Keep in mind that in addition to the spindle, there is a counter shaft driven by the spindle that powers the table feed. That could going bad.

I have not taken apart a TM spindle, but others in this forum have said to be careful how you take the spindle out, as the bearings are preloaded.

Tom

Brain,
If you ultimately confirm that your spindle bearings are bad, check with Alpine Bearing. The have been recommended as a good source for Hardinge bearings. The spindle removal procedure is not hard but there is a specific procedure as Tom mentions. PM me for details.
It may be that you can get more life out of the bearings by removing them and lubricating them.
Jim

There's also the matter of the countershaft bearings. Possible they could be
dry.

Hello,

Yeah, I still have to confirm that the spindle bearings are the problem. But, I have never heard small bearings make this sort of noise. Also, I figure that the lower pitch is probably due to the fit of the spindle bearings in the casting.

Since the machine wasn't ran too long, with this problem, I'll see if I can repack the bearings first. Maybe I can get some more life out of them. (I'll also have to check run-out to make sure I didn't damage them.)

Thanks for mentioning Alpine bearing, I'll have to get a quote from them.

Do you re-pack them the same way as the Hardinge lathes? I found instructions where you only pack the grease 1/3rd of the way through the bearings and that worked great for my DSM-59.

Thanks!

Brian

Rif said:

Hello,

Do you re-pack them the same way as the Hardinge lathes? I found instructions where you only pack the grease 1/3rd of the way through the bearings and that worked great for my DSM-59.

Brian

Click to expand...

That's what I did and it has worked for me, so far. The TM-UM has a pair of angular contact bearings at the front of the spindle held in place by the spindle cap. A single angular contact bearing at the rear is arranged to slide slightly in the bore as the spindle changes length with changes in temperature.

Jim

It is sometimes possible to get grease into those bearings without doing a full teardown
by using a syringe. If you can find a very large bore luer lock fitting you can get a bit
of grease into tight spots.

I did this with a hardinge ESM lathe once to good effect.

What was the history behind the milling machine? Was it low mileage but left to sit
somewhere for a very long time?

Another thing to check is the axial play in the front pair. Just put a good tenths reading
dial gage on the front of the spindle, and gently work the spindle in and out by alternately
pushing on the front, and the back.

If it's a very high mileage machine you may find the preload's been worn out of the bearings
and replacements are a good idea. If you see much more than a tenth or two this is
likely.

If you do the bearings I suggest three new belts as that's the time to do it, when the
thing's apart.

Confirmed...The spindle bearings are shot.

Hello,

I pulled the spindle, today, and confirmed that the bearings are not only dry; but, they are shot. I'll have to replace them.

The milling machine came from a school, so it's maintenance wasn't very great. However, it has served me well for about 4 years now and I only paid around $800 for it so I can't complain.

I had been running the machine with one of those adjustable twist belts and it had run great that way. Is there a good reason I should put all 3 belts in it?

Thanks for all of the advise. I'll order the bearings in the next month or so.

Regards,

Brian

Rif said:

Confirmed...The spindle bearings are shot.

Hello,

I pulled the spindle, today, and confirmed that the bearings are not only dry; but, they are shot. I'll have to replace them.

The milling machine came from a school, so it's maintenance wasn't very great. However, it has served me well for about 4 years now and I only paid around $800 for it so I can't complain.

I had been running the machine with one of those adjustable twist belts and it had run great that way. Is there a good reason I should put all 3 belts in it?

Thanks for all of the advise. I'll order the bearings in the next month or so.

Regards,

Brian

Click to expand...

Rif,

Did you ever Change out those bearings? If so what were the numbers on them, or numbers for new ones?
Thank you

I doubt if you will get an answer from Rif, he has not visited the forum in years. I may have replaced the bearings in my Hardinge mill. I know I replaced the front labyrinth cover. And I have a pair of bearings on the shelf that were near the mill. How about that for a memory? The 2 bearings have the same ID but different ODs.
The one with the small OD is a Fafiner 9110KDDG The one with the larger is a Fag with 3210 I-B? on the outer race and 6210 ZR on the metal shield.
Again not 100% these came from the/a Hardinge mill.

One reason for the uncertainty is that I had 2 of these mills. One was purchased as a basket case. I gave that mill to an employee. Maybe part of the deal was freshening up the mill I kept. Too many years ago.

I would not purchase bearings before removing the spindle and verifying. These numbers may be useful for getting your ducks in a row before disassembling yours.