Providing Custom Solutions
We received three crane swivel housings for repair with the issue of a worn inside diameter.
This is a common scenario with a swivel housing as the seals wear grooves into the barrel over time with significant use. These grooves in the bore causes bypassing, seal leakage and eventually communication failure. Our job was to bring these swivel housings back to OEM specification.
A common solution is to apply a fresh layer of chrome on the inside diameter which improves wear resistance and allows the barrel ID to be brought back to suitable size. The surface is then precision honed to OEM size and surface finish.
Interestingly, the three swivel housings were in various condition states and two already had a chromed ID while one did not. Therefore, a unique plan was implemented for each swivel.
The bore of swivel B suffered the most wear. Here you see the grooves are so worn into the bore, it almost looks part of the design.
Customized Solutions
Swivel A
Moderate wear, inside diameter not chromed
SOLUTION: Hone the bore oversize, chrome the ID, hone the to optimal size and surface finish (Ra).
Swivel B
Major wear, inside diameter chromed
SOLUTION: Remove the existing ID chrome, hone the bore oversize, chrome the ID, hone to optimal size and surface finish (Ra).
Swivel C
Minor wear, inside diameter chromed
SOLUTION: Hone the ID to optimal size and surface finish (Ra)