It is strongly recommended to always replace both the worm and worm gear together when either component shows significant wear, as they are designed to work as a matched pair and replacing only one can lead to improper meshing and reduced performance or even premature failure of the new component; essentially, change the worm and worm gear concurrently when necessary.
Why this is important
Wear pattern: Both the worm and worm gear wear together due to their unique contact pattern, so replacing only one will result in uneven wear on the new component.
Backlash issues: Replacing only one component can significantly alter the backlash (the small gap between teeth when not under load) leading to potential operational problems.
Material transfer: In some cases, material from the worn worm can transfer to the worm gear, making it difficult to use a new worm with the old gear.
Key points to remember
Check for wear: Regularly inspect your worm gear set for signs of wear such as excessive tooth wear, scoring, or unusual noise.
Replace as a set: If either the worm or worm gear needs replacement, always replace both components together.
Proper lubrication: Proper lubrication is crucial for worm gear sets to maintain optimal performance and lifespan.