Millwright how-to

How to Align a Motor and Pump with a Laser

Good alignment reduces vibration and extends bearing and seal life.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Good alignment reduces vibration and extends bearing and seal life. In short: lock; check; mount, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Lock out the equipment and verify zero energy.

  2. Check and correct soft foot on the motor.

  3. Mount laser heads on each shaft.

  4. Rotate shafts and take readings at the positions the system requires.

  5. Shim the motor vertically and move it horizontally to correct offset and angle.

  6. Torque hold-down bolts and take final readings.

Safety reminders for millwrights

  • Follow lockout/tagout and verify zero energy
  • Plan every lift and inspect rigging
  • Stay clear of suspended loads
  • Use machine guards and keep hands away from pinch points

Alignment · Soft foot · Dial indicator · Shim · Coupling · Runout: see the full millwright glossary.

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