What indicates that a motor shaft is tight or binding?

A motor shaft that is tight or binding will typically exhibit difficulty turning by hand. This resistance indicates that there may be an issue with the bearings, misalignment, or obstruction within the motor that prevents it from rotating freely. When the shaft is binding, turning it manually becomes cumbersome, and this condition can lead to increased wear, overheating, or eventual failure of the motor if not addressed.

Smooth turning suggests that the motor shaft is operating correctly without any obstruction or binding, while excessive noise can indicate various problems but does not directly confirm tightness or binding. Similarly, low vibration is often a sign of proper functioning, implying stability in the operation of the motor rather than any issues with the shaft. Thus, the clear indicator of a motor shaft being tight or binding is the difficulty encountered when attempting to turn it by hand.