As Kurz Industrial will explain, Taper-Lock bushings are an economical, compact, and torque-dense shaft attachment method used in v-belt sheaves, synchronous and roller chain sprockets, and couplings.
Safety is critical when performing this operation. To start, you'll want to disable the equipment following all proper lock-out and tag-out procedures. Next, gather all the required tools that you will need for proper and safe installation. Before starting, clean all components in the machinery that you will be working on. That includes the hub, shaft, and Taper-Lock bushing. Remove any burrs that are lingering on the shaft with a piece of emery paper or a file. Once the surface has been cleared, wipe it off with a clean cloth.
Before you start installing your Taper-Lock bushing, it helps to get a little background information on the components that you are working with. Taper-Lock hubs and bushings are made with two sets of holes. One set is designed for installation, and the other set is made for removal. Removal holes range in size from 1008 to 3020. Installation holes are larger. The range in size from either 3525 to 6050 or from 7060 to 10085. The number of holes in the Taper-Lock bushings is determined by the bushing's size. In addition to differing in size, the installation holes also vary in appearance. You can tell that you are looking at installation holes if they contain half-threaded holds in the hub. There will also be non-threaded half-holes in the bushing.
Once you've identified the correct holes, it's time to proceed to the next step. The second step involves physically inserting the bushing into the hub. When you perform this step, make sure that all the half-holes located on the hub are aligned with the half-holes on the bushing. In order to ensure that the half-holes are properly aligned, simply match the threaded half-holes with the unthreaded ones. After matching up the half-holes properly, you can then loosely install the setscrews. If you are using a standard Taper-Lock bushing, you will also need to install the key along with the setscrews. However, Dodge also has Taper-Lock bushings that come with an integral key. These bushings are called Integral Key Taper-Lock bushings. They have a slightly different design than traditional bushings. Integral Key Taper-Lock bushings come with a key that is pre-formed directly into the bushing, which allows for quicker and easier installation.
Once you have installed the setscrews, it's time to move onto the third step in your Taper-Lock bushing setup, which is to slide the assembly onto the shaft. To perform this step properly, tighten the screws evenly and alternate the screws that you tighten. Use a calibrated torque wrench for this step that is properly calibrated to the correct torque value. It's important to avoid over-torquing in this process, as over-torquing can cause damage to the bushing and the hub. As the set screws are tightened the tapered surfaces are drawn closer together. This wedges the bushing into the proper place between the hub and the shaft. After the machine has been in operation for 24 hours, tighten the set screws again repeating the same procedure to ensure that the components are fully locked in place. Once you have finished this step, your bushing setup is complete.
After you have completed your initial Taper-Lock bushing installation, you may need to remove the Taper-Lock bushings at some point. Removal is also simple. Start by removing the setscrews and re-installing them into the removal holes. Removal holes have threaded half-holes. Then, tighten the setscrews alternately until the bushing is released.
If you have any questions regarding Taper-Lock bushing installation and removal, don't hesitate to contact the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Kurz Industrial for assistance. You can also watch our helpful video for guidance.
