Vibrating screens are essential equipment in sand plants, mining operations, aggregates production, and material separation. During daily operation, a vibrating screen may show signs of abnormal vibration, reduced efficiency, or mechanical failure.
To ensure long service life and stable performance, it is critical to diagnose issues early and perform timely maintenance.
This article provides a comprehensive troubleshooting and maintenance guide based on common industry experience, suitable for operators, maintenance engineers, and overseas buyers using vibrating screens manufactured by Yilian Machinery.
1. Common Failures and How to Inspect Them
Below are the most frequent issues that indicate a vibrating screen is malfunctioning:
(1) Abnormal vibration amplitude
Check the exciters, motor condition, and overall screen structure.
(2) Motor overheating
Possible causes include wrong power supply, worn bearings, or poor ventilation.
(3) Screen mesh damage
Mesh wear or tearing directly affects screening accuracy.
(4) Loose bolts
All fastening points—including spring seats and side plates—must be checked.
(5) Uneven material distribution
Inspect feed chute, feeding amount, and feeding angle.
(6) Damaged springs or worn damping pads
Leads to reduced vibration efficiency and increased structural stress.
(7) Misalignment of pulleys or couplings
(8) Wrong vibration angle
(9) Worn bearings
(10) Shaft or exciter problems
2. Troubleshooting for Abnormal Vibration or Low Screening Efficiency
When the vibration amplitude becomes unstable or screening capacity drops, check the following:
(1) Exciter failure
Inspect gears, oil levels, and lubrication condition.
(2) Shaft bending
(3) Inconsistent quality of replacement parts
(4) Unbalanced material load
(5) Overload feeding
(6) Screen blockage or excessive moisture
(7) Machine installation issues
Correcting these problems promptly helps prevent further structural damage.
3. Vibrating Screen Running with Noise or Strong Impact
If the vibrating screen produces loud noise or heavy impact during operation, it may be caused by:
(1) Loose screen side plates
Tighten bolts and check for cracks.
(2) Worn bearings
Replace bearings and ensure lubricant is clean and sufficient.
(3) Damaged springs
Replace broken springs in sets to maintain balanced support.
(4) Shaft misalignment
(5) Frame deformation
(6) Unstable foundation
Strong vibration may transfer to surrounding structures.
(7) Improper installation angle
(8) Lack of lubrication
(9) Poor sealing
Dust entering the exciter will cause serious long-term wear.
4. Regular Inspection Schedule (Daily / Monthly / Annual)
Proper maintenance can significantly extend your vibrating screen’s lifespan.
Daily Inspection
- Check bolts and fasteners.
- Inspect the screen mesh for wear or tearing.
- Check vibration amplitude and operating sound.
Monthly Inspection
- Inspect structural components for cracks.
- Measure the side plate deformation (must not exceed 0.5 mm).
- Check exciter oil leakage and overall lubrication.
Annual Inspection
- Fully disassemble the exciter for cleaning.
- Replace bearings if needed.
- Check frame fatigue and repair reinforcement plates.
- Inspect motor performance and insulation condition.
5. Lubrication Guide
Proper lubrication is crucial:
- First 40 hours: Add lubricant every 8 hours.
- Normal operation: Change oil every 120 hours.
- Recommended oil: Lithium-based grease No. 1–5 (GB/T 7324-1994).
- Amount: Add every 15 days; each motor 50–100 ml depending on size.
6. Why Choose Yilian Machinery Vibrating Screens
As a leading manufacturer in China, Yilian Machinery specializes in producing vibrating screens, feeders, conveyors, crushers, and other material-handling equipment.
Our Advantages
- Over 30 years of manufacturing experience
- OEM/ODM customization for international distributors
- High-strength steel components and precision machining
- Full testing before shipment
- Global export support and technical guidance
Conclusion
A vibrating screen “failure” does not necessarily mean the machine must stop operating. With proper inspection, lubrication, part replacement, and scheduled maintenance, most issues can be quickly resolved.
By following this guide, you can significantly extend the service life, reduce downtime, and improve screening efficiency.
If you need technical support, spare parts, or want to source high-quality vibrating screens for your business, Yilian Machinery is ready to provide reliable solutions for global partners.
