What is a worm gear?

Worm gears typically convert high speed, low torque to low speed, high torque: They deal with large speed reductions.

How are they different from spur gears?

• They deal with a lot of sliding friction, which creates more heat
• Worm gears may operate 40F hotter than spur gears
• They require a higher lubrication viscosity than spur gears

There are multiple lubricant choices:

Compounded gear oils

• Shell Omala S1 W 460
• Temperature is limited at 180F

Extreme pressure gear oils

• Shell Omala S2 G 460
• Temperature is limited at 180F
• New EP technology addresses concern about attacking bronze

Synthetic worm gear oils

• PAOs
  • Shell Morlina S4 B 460
  • Compatible with most other fluids
• PAGs
  • Shell Omala S4 WE 460
  • Incompatibility with other fluids is a concern