Chevalier Spindle Repair

(VMC • Bridge Mills • Surface Grinders • Double Column Machining Centers)

Chevalier Machinery Inc. manufactures vertical machining centers, bridge mills, double column machines, and precision grinders used in toolrooms and production environments. Many Chevalier machines rely on high-speed cartridge spindle systems using super-precision angular contact bearings.

Atlanta Precision Spindles rebuilds the spindle assembly only, restoring preload integrity, balance accuracy, and stable thermal performance.

Chevalier Machine Types We Commonly See

Vertical Machining Centers (VMC)

  • CAT40 / BT40 configurations

  • 8,000–15,000+ RPM

  • Production milling & mold work

Double Column / Bridge Mills

  • Larger taper configurations

  • High torque applications

  • Heavy cutting environments

Surface & Cylindrical Grinders

  • High-accuracy grinding spindles

  • Thermal stability critical

  • Oil-air or grease lubrication systems

Each platform introduces different spindle stress factors.

Common Chevalier Spindle Configurations

Depending on model and application:

  • Super-precision angular contact bearing systems (70xx / 719xx series)

  • Hybrid ceramic variants in high-speed units

  • Cartridge-style integrated motor spindles

  • Belt-driven mechanical spindle heads (grinders)

  • CAT40 / BT40 / ISO taper interfaces

Preload accuracy and balance are critical across all configurations.

Common Chevalier Spindle Failure Modes

1️⃣ Overheating

Often caused by:

  • Preload drift

  • Over-greasing

  • Oil-air imbalance (grinding platforms)

  • Internal friction

Rapid idle heat rise is an early indicator.

2️⃣ Vibration Increasing With RPM

Common causes:

  • Bearing fatigue

  • Rotor imbalance

  • Contamination damage

  • Hybrid bearing skidding (high-speed models)

Vibration usually appears before catastrophic failure.

3️⃣ Taper Wear & Tool Interface Issues

In VMC and bridge mill platforms:

  • Taper fretting

  • Pull-stud wear

  • Tool seating inconsistency

  • Runout growth

Often mistaken for axis or toolholder problems.

4️⃣ Grinding Spindle Contamination

In surface and cylindrical grinders:

  • Abrasive dust intrusion

  • Lubrication degradation

  • Raceway pitting

  • Thermal drift

Grinding spindles are especially sensitive to contamination.

Warning Signs Your Chevalier Spindle Needs Service

  • Spindle running hotter than baseline

  • Finish chatter

  • Measurable runout

  • High-frequency bearing noise

  • Reduced tool life

  • Dimensional drift (grinding applications)

Early evaluation often reduces rebuild scope and cost.

Our Chevalier Spindle Rebuild Process

We focus on restoring engineered stiffness and thermal stability.

Our process typically includes:

  • Complete spindle disassembly

  • Bearing designation verification

  • Matched super-precision bearing replacement

  • Controlled preload assembly

  • Dynamic balance correction

  • Seal and contamination protection inspection

  • Taper inspection and runout verification

  • Thermal stabilization testing

The goal is stable rotation at operating RPM with predictable heat rise.

Repair vs Replacement

Full spindle replacement can involve:

  • High cost

  • Long lead times

  • Machine downtime

A precision rebuild is often appropriate when:

  • Shaft and housing remain within tolerance

  • Bearing wear is primary failure

  • Motor components remain intact

Rebuild restores performance characteristics without replacing the entire spindle cartridge.

Industries Commonly Using Chevalier Machines

  • Aerospace machining

  • Mold & die

  • Tool & die shops

  • Automotive component production

  • Precision grinding operations

Spindle stability directly impacts production consistency.

Important Disclaimer

Atlanta Precision Spindles repairs the spindle assembly only — not the Chevalier machine.

We do not service:

  • Axis drives

  • Controls

  • Ballscrews

  • Way systems

  • Hydraulic systems

  • Electrical systems

Our focus is strictly on spindle rebuild, preload restoration, balance correction, and thermal stability.

Chevalier Spindle Repair – Restore Accuracy & Stability

If your Chevalier VMC or grinder spindle is running hot, vibrating, or losing finish quality, early evaluation can prevent internal damage and reduce downtime.

Contact Atlanta Precision Spindles to discuss your specific Chevalier model and operating symptoms.