Describe a basic step in performing a vibration analysis on rotating equipment.

• A. Visual inspection only
• B. Disassemble and measure components
• C. Measure with vib meter; identify frequency peaks; compare to expected shaft speed; analyze amplitude; locate imbalance, misalignment, or looseness.
• D. Replace bearings

Answer: (D)

Vibration analysis relies on capturing quantitative data and interpreting its frequency content. A basic step is to measure with a vib meter or accelerometer, obtain the frequency spectrum, identify the peaks, compare them to the expected shaft speed and its harmonics, and analyze the amplitude to infer faults such as imbalance, misalignment, or looseness. This approach provides objective, actionable information about the machine’s condition and fault sources, which visual inspection or disassembling components cannot reliably supply. Replacing bearings is a corrective action that would come after diagnosing a fault, not a step used to perform the analysis itself.