Gearboxes are critical drivetrain components operating under high loads, variable speeds and demanding environmental conditions. To maintain reliability and prevent unexpected failures, internal components must be inspected with precision. MDE‑RVI performs non‑intrusive gearbox inspections using advanced borescopes and high‑resolution imaging systems, allowing detailed assessment without dismantling the gearbox or interrupting operations.
A gearbox inspection evaluates the internal condition of gears, bearings, shafts and lubrication systems to identify early‑stage wear or damage. Traditional inspections often require partial or full disassembly, resulting in downtime, labour and cost.
Using borescope‑based inspection techniques, we access internal components through existing inspection ports or small access points. This provides a clear visual assessment of the gearbox interior while keeping the equipment in service.
Gearboxes are frequently installed in confined or difficult‑to‑access environments such as nacelles, industrial plants or engine rooms. Borescope inspection is the ideal method because it allows:
Non‑intrusive internal inspection without removing the gearbox
Early detection of wear, pitting, scuffing, cracks and bearing damage
High‑resolution visual assessment of gears, bearings and shafts
Reduced downtime compared to traditional teardown inspections
Better maintenance planning through accurate condition evaluation
This approach provides the clarity and detail needed to make informed maintenance decisions while keeping equipment operational.
MDE‑RVI uses the Waygate Mentor Flex, a state‑of‑the‑art industrial borescope designed for high‑precision gearbox inspections. Its advanced optics, articulation and imaging capabilities allow us to inspect:
Planet gears and sun gears
Intermediate and high‑speed stages
Bearings and raceways
Shaft surfaces
Lubrication channels and oil distribution paths
Gear tooth flanks, roots and tips
This equipment enables accurate diagnostics even in complex or restricted gearbox designs.
Depending on gearbox type and accessibility, we inspect:
Planet stages
Bearings and bearing housings
Gear teeth (pitting, scuffing, micro‑pitting)
Shafts and couplings
Lubrication paths and oil distribution
Internal surfaces and housings
Each inspection is tailored to the gearbox configuration and operational conditions.
During gearbox inspections, we commonly identify:
Pitting and micro‑pitting
Scuffing and surface fatigue
Bearing wear and raceway damage
Cracks in gear teeth or shafts
Misalignment‑related wear patterns
Lubrication issues or contamination
Early detection of these issues helps prevent major failures and supports predictive maintenance strategies.
Wind turbine gearboxes operate under high and highly variable loads. The combination of fluctuating wind speeds, long operating hours and limited accessibility makes reliable gearbox inspection essential. Using borescope inspection techniques, we assess the internal condition of planet stages, bearings, shafts and gear teeth without disassembly or extended turbine downtime.
This enables early detection of wear, pitting, scuffing and bearing damage long before they develop into costly failures. It supports both corrective and predictive maintenance strategies and helps operators improve turbine reliability and availability.
Industrial gearboxes operate in continuous production environments where reliability and uptime are critical. High loads, thermal cycling and contamination risks make regular gearbox inspections essential. Using borescope inspection, we assess internal components such as gears, bearings, shafts and lubrication paths without interrupting production or dismantling equipment.
This allows early identification of pitting, scuffing, lubrication issues and bearing degradation. By detecting these issues early, operators can plan maintenance proactively, reduce unplanned downtime and extend the service life of critical drivetrain components.
Maritime gearboxes and propulsion systems operate in demanding environments where reliability and safety are paramount. Gearboxes are exposed to fluctuating loads, vibration, temperature variations and potential contamination. Through borescope inspection, we evaluate the internal condition of gears, bearings and shafts without removing the gearbox or interrupting vessel operations.
This enables early detection of wear, corrosion, pitting and lubrication‑related issues that can compromise propulsion performance. It supports planned maintenance, improves operational safety and ensures compliance with class and regulatory requirements.
Schedule a gearbox inspection today and ensure your drivetrain systems operate at maximum reliability.
Contact MDE‑RVI for professional gearbox inspections in wind energy, industrial and maritime sectors.
