What should be done if the worm gear in a worm gear reducer is worn?
Worm gears are typically made of tin bronze, while the mating worm is made of 45 steel hardened to HRC4555, or 40Cr hardened to HRC5055 and then ground to a surface roughness of Ra0.8μm using a worm grinder. Reducers wear very slowly during normal operation; some can last for over 10 years. If the wear rate is rapid, consider whether the model selection is correct, whether it is operating under overload conditions, and factors such as the material of the worm gear and worm, assembly quality, or operating environment. Worm gear reducers generally use 220# gear oil. For reducers subjected to heavy loads, frequent starts, or harsh operating environments, lubricant additives can be used. These additives allow the gear oil to remain adhered to the gear surface when the reducer stops, forming a protective film to prevent direct metal-to-metal contact under heavy loads, low speeds, high torque, and during startup. The additives contain seal conditioners and anti-leakage agents to keep the seals soft and elastic, effectively reducing lubricant leakage.