VULKAN PROPFLEX T Thrust Bearing – Maintenance Schedule & Procedures #
Applies to: VULKAN PROPFLEX T 90 N63-16-D (Custom Fit, 6705 series) thrust bearing couplings, models 1PT0610–1PT1230 / TB 90 specials. Source: VULKAN Operating Manual, Sections 8.2–8.4.
Important: Every task below is designated Specialist only by VULKAN. Alignment checks, bearing play checks, lubrication and rubber element replacement require special tooling and qualified technicians. Owners and crew should limit themselves to visual checks and contacting service. Use only original VULKAN spare parts.
1. Maintenance schedule #
Intervals below are minimums. If increased wear is detected during regular inspections, shorten the intervals to match actual wear. Contact the manufacturer with any questions about tasks or intervals.
| Interval | Maintenance task | Execution by |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-annually or every 1,500 hours (whichever comes first) | Thrust bearing lubrication | Specialist |
| Semi-annually | Visual inspection of rubber element and thrust bearing | Specialist |
| Semi-annually, after a completed repair | Visual inspection | Specialist |
| 10 years or 10,000 hours (whichever comes first) | Thrust bearing complete revision | Specialist |
| If there is damage or malfunction | Dismount the coupling (after a defect has been determined) | Specialist |
Events that can cause damage or malfunction #
Any of the following should trigger an inspection before the vessel returns to normal operation:
- Grounding of the ship’s propeller
- Short circuit in generator operation
- Faulty synchronization in generator operation
- Regulator oscillation
- Emergency switch-off
2. Alignment check #
Specialist only – requires radial, axial and angular measuring devices.
Alignment of the PROPFLEX T coupling is performed per the alignment chapter of the VULKAN manual. Alignment should be re-verified after any shaft work, engine mount replacement, haul-out with blocking under the running gear, or grounding event.
3. Checking bearing play #
Specialist only.
- Remove the coupling protection installed by the owner.
- Dismount the propeller shaft.
- Dismount the PROPFLEX intermediate shaft.
- Clean all components.
- Fasten the dial gauge on the thrust bearing bracket (L).
- Place the measuring prod of the dial gauge on the thrust bearing shaft.
- Determine the axial bearing play by alternating axial movement of the thrust bearing shaft.
- If the measured value exceeds 150 µm, replace the integrated shaft support.
4. Thrust bearing lubrication #
Specialist only – requires a greasing pump.
- Remove the coupling protection installed by the owner.
- Locate the grease nipple (N) on both sides of the thrust bearing.
- Connect the grease pump to the grease nipple.
- Pump in the grease quantity from the table below.
- Disconnect the grease pump.
- Reinstall the coupling protection per the owner’s instruction.
| Model | Grease quantity (g) each side | Grease type |
|---|---|---|
| 1PT0610 … 1PT1230, or specials TB 90 | 15 g – refill 30 g – full replacement | RIVOLTA SKD 4002 |
5. Measures after maintenance #
Before switching the system back on:
- Check all previously loosened threaded unions for firm seat.
- Ensure all removed protective devices and covers are properly reinstalled.
- Ensure all tools, materials and equipment have been removed from the work area.
- Clean the work area and remove any escaped substances (lubricants, processing material, etc.).
- Confirm all system safety devices are functioning properly.
- Reset any owner-installed emergency stop devices.
- Confirm no one is in the danger zone.
6. PROPFLEX N rubber element maintenance #
WARNING – use only original VULKAN spare parts.
- Visual check of rubber bushings: every 6 months.
- Inspection / bushing replacement: by VULKAN-qualified technicians, or at least every 8–10 years under perfectly working conditions. See the “Rubber bushing replacements” enclosure.
- Rubber element maintenance follows DIN 7716. Service life depends on dynamic load and environment and is determined by vibration behaviour in real working conditions.
- Minimize environmental impact by periodic visual inspection for oil contamination and damage (carvings/scrapes). Oil contamination is cleaned with conventional mild household cleaning agents only.
- Never clean rubber elements with solvent-based agents. Aggressive solvents in the surrounding area must be kept away from the rubber element.
Storage or long stop periods (up to 6 months) #
- Check rubber element condition per DIN 7716: cleaning, visual inspection for natural rubber aging, oil contamination, light exposure and temperature.
- Check metallic parts, especially rotating surfaces in contact with dirty water, oil or corrosive chemicals. Use water vapour on rubber seals and centering bushes.
- Check fasteners, in particular for rust on bolts and around connected flanges.
- Check metallic surfaces of the transmission shaft, in particular for rust on splined parts or the locking device.
- Check for lubricant loss – rubber seals may be aged or damaged.
- During invasive repairs in the engine room, fit a full cover over the coupling.
- Before start-up, all metallic and rubber parts must be inspected and restored where appearance is non-conforming or conditions are unsafe.
Quick reference #
| Lubrication | Every 6 months / 1,500 hrs – 15 g each side (30 g full replacement) – RIVOLTA SKD 4002 |
| Rubber element visual check | Every 6 months |
| Bearing play limit | 150 µm axial – replace shaft support if exceeded |
| Rubber bushing replacement | 8–10 years max, VULKAN-qualified technicians |
| Complete revision | 10 years / 10,000 hrs |
| After grounding / emergency stop / generator fault | Specialist inspection before return to service |
Source document #
VULKAN PROPFLEX T 90 N63-16-D Operating Manual, pages 26–29 (Sections 8.2 Maintenance schedule, 8.3 Maintenance tasks, 8.4 Maintenance of PROPFLEX N). Attach the manual pages image to this article in the KB media library.
Need Assistance?
For technical support, warranty assistance, parts, or to schedule service:
Ocean Alexander Yacht Service
East Coast Yacht Group
2955 W State Road 84 Fort Lauderdale FL, 33312
954-530-2033
oayachtservice.com
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This article is part of the Ocean Alexander Yacht Service Knowledge Base. Information is provided for general guidance and should not replace the applicable Owner’s Manual or service procedures.
© Ocean Alexander Yacht Service – East Coast Yacht Group, Inc.
