5-STEP

SHEAVE/PULLEY
ALIGNMENT
PROCEDURE
5-Step Sheave/Pulley Alignment Procedure

Precision alignment is an essential part of a proactive reliability program. Use this

simple and effective procedure for sheave/pulley alignment of your belt-driven
equipment.

The content of this Infographic is a basic guide to re-align machines. In practice,

more details must be taken into account.

If you would like a printed laminated version of this procedure, please send us an
email with how many you need and where to ship them to.

About LUDECA
LUDECA is a leading provider of Preventive, Predictive and Corrective Maintenance
Solutions including laser alignment, vibration analysis, balancing, induction heating
and ultrasound equipment as well as software, rentals, services and training. For
more information, visit www.ludeca.com

LUDECA, INC.
1425 NW 88th Avenue
Doral, FL 33172
305-591-8935
info@ludeca.com

www.ludeca.com
 5-STEP
SHEAVE/PULLEY ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4 5

Pre-Alignment Runout and Laser Belt Documentation

Checks Soft Foot Alignment Tensioning

Set up laser alignment

2X
Check and correct shaft Take two sets of belt
Safety: system and measure
runout. tension measurements.
Lock-out and tag-out misalignment. Save the alignment file, if
the machines. your system allows for it.

TOL

Check and correct Correct twist misalignment Set the belt tension to
sheave rim runout (radial) by shimming the motor feet. manufacturer’s specifications.
Visual inspection of the and face runout (axial).
sheaves, belts, foundation Recommended tolerance: Typically, set tension to
and baseplate. ±0.5 degrees. (9 mils/inch) recommended force to deflect
belts 1/64 inch per inch of span
Replace sheaves if needed. length (tight side).
Be careful not to affect the Print the report to
alignment during these document the alignment,
Using feeler gauges find adjustments. if your system allows
obvious gaps under the motor for it.
feet and fill them with shims, to Correct angular
eliminate any soft foot condition. misalignment by moving the
machine horizontally.
Clean up: remove rust, Recommended tolerance:
scale, paint, dirt from under Re-check the
±0.5 degrees. (9 mils/inch) alignment.
and around the feet. Clean
sheaves as well.
Install new belts, if 72-240 HRS
needed. Always replace
all belts together with a Run the machines at
new matched set. least 72 hours, but not
more than 10 days and
Correct offset
misalignment by moving 2 HRS+ retension again, this
time to manufacturer’s
the machine axially. recommended force values
Run machines for two hours
for used belts.
100
to allow belts to stretch
Replace damaged shim % Recommended tolerance:
and seat themselves then
packs with new, corrosion ±8 mils (thou) per inch
and crush resistant shims. recheck tension. Readjust as
Torque bolts to specifications. of span length.
necessary.

©Copyright 2017 by LUDECA, INC. No copying or reproduction of this information, in any form whatsoever, may be undertaken without
express written permission of LUDECA, INC. WARNING: The content of this graphic is a basic guide to re-align machines. In practice,
more details must be taken into account. LUDECA, INC is not responsible for any damage or injury arising out of the use of this document
Keep it running. LUDECA.COM
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