Chain Failure Glossary
Failure mode
Lubrication Starvation
Also known as Dry running, under-lubrication
What lubrication starvation is
Lubrication starvation means the pin and bush clearance is not receiving lubricant. A surface film on the outside of the chain is not sufficient; the lubricant must penetrate the joint. Once the film breaks down, wear, galling and heat all accelerate together.
Common causes
- Lubrication intervals set by calendar rather than running hours
- Grease applied to the outside of the plates instead of a penetrating product
- Lubricant thrown off at high speed or washed off in washdown areas
- Blocked, misdirected or empty automatic lubrication systems
Warning signs
- Dry, shiny plates with a varnish or glaze rather than an oil film
- Hot chain and drive after running
- Rapid pitch growth and stiff joints
- Wear debris appearing as a dry powder instead of a slurry
Prevention and correction
- Set lubrication intervals from running hours, speed and environment
- Use a penetrating lubricant that reaches the pin and bush
- Check automatic systems weekly for delivery at the chain entry point
- Re-lubricate after every washdown
Fix it with the right product
Lubrication and maintenance supportNeed a second opinion?
Send us the chain, the running hours and a photo. Our engineers will confirm the failure mode and quote the right replacement.
All chain failure modes
Chain ElongationFatigue FailureSide Plate CrackingPin and Bush WearRoller Wear and SpallingAbrasive WearAdhesive WearCorrosionStress Corrosion CrackingHydrogen EmbrittlementGallingSurface PittingTensile OverloadShock LoadingImpact FractureLubrication StarvationTight Links and KinkingMisalignmentChordal ActionSprocket Tooth Wear
Same & Next-Day Delivery Areas
Roller chain supply across South Yorkshire & the North
Dispatched from our Rotherham depot — order by 1pm for next-working-day delivery, or collect same-day within our 30-mile radius.
RotherhamDepot location
Sheffield9 mi · ~25 min
Barnsley6 mi · ~15 min
Doncaster16 mi · ~30 min
Mexborough3 mi · ~8 min
Maltby5 mi · ~12 min
Wath-upon-Dearne4 mi · ~10 min
Wakefield20 mi · ~35 min
Leeds25 mi · ~45 min
Huddersfield30 mi · ~50 min
Scunthorpe22 mi · ~35 min
Mansfield28 mi · ~45 min
Chesterfield18 mi · ~30 min
Worksop14 mi · ~25 min