NCCER Millwright Practice Exam

If the seal was not properly aligned or there is excessive wear, what will indicate the issue?

1. Wear tracks

2. Oil leakage

3. Noise from the machinery

4. Vibration of components

The correct answer is: Wear tracks

When a seal is not properly aligned or experiences excessive wear, the presence of wear tracks is a clear indication of the issue. Wear tracks are the marks or grooves that form on the surface of a component due to repetitive contact or friction. These tracks serve as visual evidence of where the seal has been compromised and suggest that the seal is not maintaining a proper interface with the surfaces it is meant to protect. Additionally, wear tracks can indicate that the seal is inadequately preventing contamination from entering the machinery, which can lead to further deterioration of both the seal and the components it is designed to protect. Observing wear tracks can prompt a millwright to perform maintenance or realignment before more significant damage occurs, thereby extending the lifespan of the machinery and ensuring optimal performance. While oil leakage, noise from machinery, and vibration of components can also be symptoms of issues related to seals, they are not specific indicators of alignment problems or wear in the same way that wear tracks are. Oil leakage often suggests a failure of the seal's ability to contain lubricant, noise can arise from many mechanical issues, and vibration can result from numerous causes including misalignment in a broader context, making wear tracks the most direct and indicative sign of seal misalignment or wear.