ISSUE DATE PROCEDURE

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INITIAL REL. WORK SDIP-1
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SECTION
814
MANUAL 0

SUBJECT: SHEAVE DEFLECTION INSPECTION PROCEDURE PAGE 1 OF 4

1.0 PURPOSE
To establish the proper procedure to monitor bearing condition via sheave
deflection in ABCO traveling blocks, crown clusters, and similar assemblies. This
test is commonly referred to as the “wobble test.” Due to the amount of variables
that can influence sheave deflection, there is a large variance in the amount of
sheave deflection, even in assemblies of similar nature, and as such, it is difficult
to establish an ideal measurement. However, if a baseline deflection
measurement can be obtained – as with initial installation or with a crown or
block overhaul – variance from this baseline measurement can be used to
establish a trend and be used to signal potential problems. This document is
designed to establish a reliable and consistent method of taking such
measurements for ABCO assemblies.

2.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
The QA/QC Manager shall ensure that all applicable personnel are familiar and
trained with this procedure.

3.0 METHOD
3.1.1 SHEAVES MUST BE POSITIONED VERTICALLY, AS IF INSTALLED ON
RIG, TO ENSURE ACCURATE MEASUREMENTS. If sheaves are
stacked horizontally, the load from the weight from the sheaves will
negatively affect the deflection measurements, giving inaccurate data.

3.1.2 Use tool P/N 42450600. Make sure to use the safety lanyard on the tool to
prevent dropped objects.

Figure 1: P/N 42450600

Sheave Deflection Tool
Actual appearance may vary slightly
ISSUE DATE PROCEDURE
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INITIAL REL. WORK SDIP-1
DATE
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SECTION
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MANUAL 0

SUBJECT: SHEAVE DEFLECTION INSPECTION PROCEDURE PAGE 2 OF 4

3.1.3 Set up dial indicator on block to measure perpendicular to the sheave ring
(parallel to the bore) within 1/2” of the edge of the sheave. See Figure 2.

Figure 2: Dial Indicator Placement Example

Indicator can be placed on outside of ring

3.1.4 Slip tool between two sheaves on the block or cluster, or between the
frame and sheave. The edge of the tool should be near the location of the
dial indicator. Apply 60 ft-lbs of torque, measured with the torque wrench.
Be sure to not apply excess torque. With torque held at 60 ft-lb, zero the
indicator at this point. After release, it is normal for sheave to return to a
center position. See Figure 3.

Figure 3: Deflection Measurement Example

ISSUE DATE PROCEDURE
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INITIAL REL. WORK SDIP-1
DATE
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MANUAL 0

SUBJECT: SHEAVE DEFLECTION INSPECTION PROCEDURE PAGE 3 OF 4

3.1.5 With the dial indicator in the same position, mirror the tool placement
directly across the groove, again keeping the edge of the tool near the
indicator location. Be sure not disturb the placement of the dial indicator.
Apply the same 60 ft-lbs of torque to deflect the same sheave in the
opposite direction and hold at this torque.

3.1.6 With the torque held at 60 ft-lbs, measure and record the magnitude of
deflection of the sheave. This will give you the full range of deflection of
the sheave.

3.1.7 Repeat steps 3.1.3 – 3.1.6 for each sheave on the assembly. Record any
special requirements or deviations from the procedure that had to be
taken in FM-9.41, if applicable.

3.1.8 If this inspection occurs with initial installation or with an assembly

overhaul, it should be recorded as a baseline deflection measurement.
Baseline deflection measurements should be stamped into the lip of each
associated sheave, or recorded in form FM-9.41.

3.1.9 ALL SUBSEQUENT DEFLECTION MEASUREMENTS MUST USE THE

SAME SET-UP AND PROCEDURE AS THE BASELINE INSPECTION TO
ENSURE ACCURATE COMPARISONS.

4.0 TROUBLESHOOTING

4.1.1 Reference to the baseline deflection measurement is necessary to draw a

conclusion from subsequent deflection measurements. Subsequent
sheave deflection measurements should not vary more than a few
hundredths of an inch from the baseline, if properly measured. However,
due to the geometry of the measurement, a larger diameter sheave will
have a larger allowable variance than a smaller sheave. Variance from the
baseline should not exceed 0.015” for sheaves equal to and smaller than
36” in diameter, 0.020” for sheaves greater than 36” in diameter and less
than or equal to 60” in diameter, and 0.030” for sheaves greater than 60”
in diameter (See Table 4.1). A trend in deviation from the baseline
measurements logged in deflection inspections may indicate possible
bearing or fit problems. Outliers of deflection within the same assembly
can also indicate possible problems.
ISSUE DATE PROCEDURE
07/15
INITIAL REL. WORK SDIP-1
DATE
07/15 INSTRUCTION REVISION LEVEL
SECTION
814
MANUAL 0

SUBJECT: SHEAVE DEFLECTION INSPECTION PROCEDURE PAGE 4 OF 4

Sheave OD Max Allowable Variance

OD ≤ 36” 0.015”
36” < OD ≤ 60” 0.020”
60” < OD 0.030”
Table 4.1: Maximum Allowable Variance

4.1.1.1 Excessive wobble/deflection can be caused by

insufficient preload in the bearings stacked up in the
cluster of sheaves. Ensure that the proper preload is
correctly applied to the bearings. Ensure that all bolts and
retaining devices are properly torqued to the
recommended values. Re-measure sheave deflection
after changes are made to check if excess deflection is
resolved.

4.1.1.2 Check bearings for lack of lubrication. Lack of lubrication

with deflection measurements out of baseline may
indicate bearing failure.

4.0 RECORDS
Records of training shall be documented in accordance with this procedure and
shall be in the HR file.

5.0 APPROVAL
This procedure shall be reviewed and approved by the following personnel.

___________________
Technical Director

Revision History Revision Date

INITIAL RELEASE 0 07/15