Calculate the actual overhung load and make sure the load is within the equipment manufacturer's allowable loads. Evaluate the operating conditions of the equipment to eliminate hidden overhung loads. Evaluate failures of shafts, bearings and couplings and determine a root cause. Give extra attention to repeated parts failure. Excessive overhung load can cause a variety of equipment failures.
Drive shafts are usually the primary component to fail due to excessive overhung loads.
However, keep in mind that excessive overhung load can damage all related components. For example, shaft bearings are especially susceptible to high overhung load. Bearings are designed for specific L10 life hours, and when additional load is applied, the bearing life is drastically shortened. For example, a 25 percent increase in load causes a 50 percent reduction in bearing life. Seals and other critical component parts requiring accurate alignment, such as gear teeth, are also subject to failure because of overhung loads.