The document provides a checklist for planning, inspecting machinery, and performing pre-alignment checks before precision alignment of machinery. The planning section includes reviewing machine history, determining alignment methods and tolerances. The machinery inspection section lists items to check on the machine base, feet, shims, bolts and shafts. The pre-alignment section outlines checks for hold down bolts, strains, runout, couplings and correcting any soft foot issues.

1. New directions for machinery reliability training, products and services!
Planning, Machinery Inspection, & Pre-alignment
Checklist
© 2001 Universal Technologies, Inc. • 25797 Conifer Road • Suite #210 • Aspen Park, CO 80433 USA A-111
Phone: (303) 838-3447 • Fax: (303) 838-3437 • Online: www.unitechinc.com
Planning
# Item Notes
1 If instrumentation is available and plant safety
procedures permit, perform a running soft foot check
prior to shutting down the machine.
2 Before starting work, perform all lock-out, tagging and
equipment isolation procedures. This may include
closing suction, discharge, and isolation valves,
dampers, etc.
3 Review recent machine history information.
4 Check equipment history files to determine whether or
not the machine is subject to dynamic movement (due to
thermal growth, pipe strain, etc.) If so, determine
required offsets to compensate for dynamic movement.
5 Determine the precision alignment method to be used,
gather all tools and equipment, and ensure proper
working condition.
6 Determine final alignment tolerances for the machine.
7 Determine permissible axial and radial movement of
both machines.
8 Determine the specified coupling gap.
Machinery Inspection
# Item Notes
1 Clean and inspect machine base, foundation, and feet
for cracks, warped surfaces, corrosion, foreign material,
burrs, etc. Repair as necessary.
2 Inspect and note the thickness of existing shim packs.
• Replace shims that are bent, corroded or handcut.
• The total # of shims per foot should be <= four (4).
3 Inspect hold down bolts and washers.
• Replace bolts that are the wrong grade, are bent, or
have bad threads.
• Replace cupped washers.
4 Inspect movable machine(s) for dowel or taper pins. If
present or possibly improperly installed, remove.
5 Check to ensure bearings are properly lubricated.
6 Slowly rotate shafts feeling for binding or rubs. If
present, determine source and repair as necessary.
7 Check both shafts for excessive radial and axial
movement.

2. New directions for machinery reliability training, products and services!
Planning, Machinery Inspection, & Pre-alignment
Checklist
© 2001 Universal Technologies, Inc. • 25797 Conifer Road • Suite #210 • Aspen Park, CO 80433 USA A-111
Phone: (303) 838-3447 • Fax: (303) 838-3437 • Online: www.unitechinc.com
Pre-Alignment Checks
# Item Notes
1 Ensure all hold-down bolts are properly lubricated and
torqued.
• Proper amount of torque
• Proper torque sequence
2 Check for excessive pipe and electrical connection
strain.
3 Check both shafts for excessive runout.
4 Inspect couplings for the following:
• Proper shaft fit
• Rim and face runout
• Worn teeth, elastomers, grid members
• Correct type and amount of lubricant
• Correct set screw length and tightness
• Proper bolts and washers
• Correct key length
5 Properly set the coupling gap.
• Note: For motors with plane bearings, ensure motor
shaft has been set to its magnetic center.
6 Correct gross soft foot (prior to rough alignment.)
7 Perform precision soft check and correction (after rough
alignment.)