Which maintenance issue can result from improper rope equalization?

Improper rope equalization can lead to uneven sheave grooves, which occurs when the ropes used in the hoisting mechanism do not distribute tension evenly across the sheaves. This imbalance causes certain points of the sheaves to wear more than others, leading to grooves that are not uniformly worn. Over time, this can create a situation where the ropes may ride unevenly, potentially leading to further mechanical issues and increased wear and tear on the equipment.

The other options mention issues that may arise but are not directly a result of improper rope equalization. For example, rope corrosion can occur due to environmental factors or lack of maintenance rather than the distribution of tension among the ropes. Squeaking ropes might indicate lubrication problems or misalignment but are not specific to the equality of rope tensions. Similarly, hesitation in movement typically relates to factors like friction or mechanical binding rather than the condition of the sheave grooves. Therefore, the impact on sheave grooves effectively highlights the need for proper rope equalization in maintaining hoisting systems.