What indicates excessive wear on the sides of a control cable pulley groove?

Excessive wear on the sides of a control cable pulley groove typically indicates that the pulley is misaligned. When a pulley is not properly aligned, it causes uneven distribution of forces on the cable as it passes through the groove. This misalignment can lead to the cable rubbing against the sides of the groove more than it should, resulting in accelerated wear.

In a well-aligned pulley system, the cable should run smoothly through the center of the groove, minimizing contact with the sides and reducing wear. The excessive wear on the sides is a clear sign that the pulley is not positioned correctly relative to the cable's path. Adjusting the alignment can help ensure that the cable operates efficiently and prolongs the life of both the cable and the pulley.

Other options may contribute to wear in different ways but are less directly linked to this specific indicator. For instance, material fatigue suggests a weakening of structure over time but does not specifically indicate a problem with wear patterns. Heat exposure could potentially cause damage, but it is not exclusively linked to the sides of the groove. Similarly, a lack of lubrication affects the overall performance and lifespan of components but does not directly correlate to wear patterns in the groove itself.