Usually anykind of machines that works with gears need some lubricant... takes sometime to start killing the machine but usually there is maintenance for that measure...
So my suggestion is:
A solid lubricant ? that exists and it could be the way to repair those machines?
Instead of damaging and boom... or a new other mod idk =p
Solid Lubricant is based from coal btw =P

That would be nice.. some unique way to repair and to prevent the damage! :)

+1

.. and instead of blowing up, just let them stand still.
the output could also be more and more less, if not properly maintained.