Wacker Neuson WP1550AW Complete Exciter Housing
*Out of stock until end of November with Wacker, orders can be put in and reserved and will send out in order received*
Features
- Fits Wacker Neuson WP1540 and WP1550
- Complete exciter assembly, including fluid and pulley
- It does not include mounting hardware
When you’re owning or managing the Wacker Neuson WP1550AW plate compactor (and compatible models such as WP1550 or WP1540), one critical component that deserves proper attention is the exciter-housing assembly. The Wacker Neuson WP1550AW Complete Exciter Housing is a direct replacement part that restores the vibration system of your compactor to factory specification. This article walks you through everything you need to know: compatibility, specifications, installation considerations, maintenance implications, value & cost-analysis, and best practices.
What Is the Complete Exciter Housing?
The exciter housing is the cast aluminium (often aluminium alloy) casing that encloses the exciter mechanism of a vibratory plate compactor. Within it sits the exciter shaft, eccentric weights, bearings, seals, and lubrication fluid that generate the centrifugal force transmitted through the base plate to compact material. In the WP1550AW machine, proper exciter housing alignment ensures consistent amplitude/frequency, correct vibration force, and no oil leaks/squeaks. As one parts supplier notes: “The exciter housing (0088534 / 5000088534) is a genuine replacement part … made of high-strength aluminum alloy housing. Precision-machined for vibration system alignment.”
When the housing cracks, becomes worn, leaks fluid or the mounting surfaces are damaged, the compactor’s efficiency drops: less compaction force, increased operator fatigue, possible gear failure, and downtime. Replacing the complete exciter housing restores alignment, lubrication integrity, and performance.
Compatibility & Key Specifications
Compatibility
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This housing specifically fits the WP1550AW (water-tank version) plate compactor, though many parts dealers list fitting the WP1550 and WP1540/1540AW variants.
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OEM part numbers: 0088534 / 5000088534.
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Important: Some 2016 or newer models may have evolved shaft/housing configurations—make sure serial number compatibility before purchasing.
Construction & Features
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Cast aluminium alloy (or high-strength aluminium alloy) housing, offering a balance of strength and corrosion resistance.
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Precision-machined bearing seats and mounting faces to ensure correct alignment of exciter gear/shaft.
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Designed to retain exciter fluid, support pulley or belt drive system and resist the high vibration and loads the compactor undergoes.
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Note: The “Complete Exciter Housing” product listing includes the assembly “including fluid and pulley” but does not include mounting hardware.
Benefits
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Restores vibration system to original design amplitude/frequency, ensuring the compaction force (often ~3,375 lbf for WP1550AW) is delivered.
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Eliminates oil or fluid leaks that degrade internal bearings and components, preventing early failure and downtime.
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Direct replacement part — as opposed to custom fabrication — offers higher reliability and shorter service time.
When Should You Replace the Exciter Housing?
Several indicators point to needing the housing replaced:
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Visible cracks or damage on the housing surface or mounting flanges.
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Oil or lubricant seepage around the exciter unit, indicating seal failure or housing breach.
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Unusual vibration behavior: increased operator fatigue, rattling, uneven plate contact, or loss of compaction effectiveness.
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Intermittent interruption of vibration drive or pulleys slipping because of misalignment.
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Routine maintenance intervals: If you are refurbishing a rental fleet machine after heavy use, replacing the housing may be part of a full exciter rebuild.
Since the WP1550AW model is commonly used in rental and heavy-duty applications (with a centrifugal force of ~3,375 lbf) ensuring the exciter housing is sound becomes critical to maintaining uptime and machine value.
Installation & Service Considerations
Installing the complete exciter housing should be done with care to ensure alignment, correct fluid fill, and mounting integrity. Here are key points:
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Disassemble the old unit: Remove the base plate, belt/drive components and old exciter housing assembly per service manual. (consult the WP1550AW operator’s manual for service intervals etc.)
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Clean and inspect surrounding components: Make sure the base plate underside, mounting bolts, drive belt/pulley and shaft are in good condition. If any are worn, they should be addressed simultaneously.
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Torque mounting bolts to factory spec: Because the exciter housing transfers vibration loads, mounting bolt torque and sequence matter.
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Fill exciter fluid: As the listing states “complete exciter assembly, including fluid and pulley.” Ensure correct fluid type and level per manufacturer — low fluid causes bearing wear, high fluid causes heat generation.
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Check belt or drive system after installing: The alignment of the pulley and belt must be correct to prevent slippage or premature failure.
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Run test: After installation, run the compactor under a safe load and verify vibration amplitude, no abnormal noises, no leaks and proper plate contact.
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Log the service: For rental fleets especially, documenting part replacement ensures cost tracking and scheduling future maintenance.
By investing in proper installation you extend service life, reduce downtime and protect your investment.
Value Proposition & Cost of Ownership
For contractors, rental houses or equipment managers, the decision to replace the housing can be measured in cost/benefit terms.
Up-front cost
The housing assembly is listed at around $799.95 for the “complete exciter housing” from one vendor. Some entries list lower prices (~$396-400) for just the housing without full assembly.
Benefits
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Restoring full compaction capacity means faster job completion (fewer passes), likely fewer re-works.
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Preventing failure of bearings or the entire exciter system (which could cost thousands in downtime).
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Maintaining rental machine uptime = rental revenue.
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Retaining machine resale value: equipment with properly maintained internals sells better.
Cost per hour calculation
If your WP1550AW is used 1000 hours/year in a rental fleet, and the reduced performance due to worn housing costs you 0.5 extra passes per job or 2% longer runtimes, the labor/fuel cost savings from a new housing may break even much sooner than expected. Also, avoid the high cost of a catastrophic failure.
Therefore, investing in the proper exciter housing is a strategic maintenance decision.
Choosing the Right Replacement Unit
Here are decision factors when selecting your replacement:
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OEM vs aftermarket: This part is genuine Wacker Neuson OEM (part # 0088534 / 5000088534) with factory fit and finish.
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Complete vs core housing: Some vendors sell only the housing case; others offer the “complete assembly” (housing with fluid, pulley, bearings) as the listing above. The latter saves labor and ensures fresh internals.
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Hardware and mounting bolts: Note that the complete assembly listing states “does not include mounting hardware.” Ensure you either reuse or replace bolts as required.
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Model compatibility: Confirm serial number fitment — ensure your WP1550AW is in the compatible range and not a newer revision with different exciter dimensions.
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Service history: If replacing the housing, consider also replacing belt, pulley and seals — as you already have the unit open, you’re minimizing future downtime.
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Supplier service & warranty: Choose a vendor offering fast shipping (especially for rental fleet use). One says “In stock – ships next working day.”
Taking the time to choose correct version ensures fitment, uptime and cost savings.
Maintenance Tips to Extend Housing Life
Once installed, maintaining the exciter housing properly helps maximize life:
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Monitor oil/fluid level regularly; low levels cause increased wear or overheating.
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Check for external signs of leakage or housing cracks periodically—particularly after heavy usage or transport.
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Inspect drive belt and pulley alignment—misalignment increases stress on housing and internal components.
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Keep the base plate underside clean; debris or rock intrusion can transmit shock loads into the housing.
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Document operating hours and usage type—if used extensively for asphalt vs granular soils the loads differ; adjust inspection intervals accordingly.
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If the machine hits non-compaction loads (curbs, forms) frequently, schedule more frequent inspections.
By proactive inspection you avoid catastrophic housing failure and downtime.
Real-World Example: WP1550AW Machine Context
The WP1550AW plate compactor features a water tank for asphalt use, a 19.5″ width base plate, and ~3,375 lbf centrifugal force. In this high-force, high-vibration environment, the exciter housing must absorb significant loads. When the housing fails, the compactor may lose force, bounce excessively or produce sub-standard compaction. Replacing the housing restores the system back to design spec.
For rental fleet owners especially, where machines run thousands of hours per year, the housing is one of the “wear items” that pays to monitor and replace before failure impacts service.
Conclusion
The Wacker Neuson WP1550AW Complete Exciter Housing is not just a part—it’s a key component of your machine’s vibration drive system. Ensuring you choose the correct OEM part, install it correctly, and maintain it consistently directly impacts your productivity, uptime and cost-of-ownership. Whether you’re an equipment manager, contractor, rental house or machine owner, investing in the right exciter housing and caring for it pays dividends in fewer passes, less downtime and longer machine life.
With this guide you’re equipped to understand the value, installation, compatibility, and maintenance of this critical component—helping you keep your WP1550AW performing at its best.