How to Clean the Worm Gear in a Gate Opener

The worm gear in a gate opener causes the gate to open and shut smoothly at a uniform speed to minimize wear on the components. This type of gear resembles a threaded cylinder. When rotated, the threads in the gear engage with the teeth of a horizontal gear, which also rotates on an axle to swing the gate open or closed. Because gate parts are exposed to the elements, you may need to clean the worm gear occasionally to remove dirt and grime that can clog the mechanism and affect its performance.

Spray degreaser
Rags
Nylon brush
Lubricant

Instructions

- 1
  Spray the worm gear on all sides with degreaser, as well as the wheel gear that engages with the worm gear. For efficiency, you can clean both gears at the same time. If the gears are particularly filthy, place rags beneath it on the ground or pavement to catch the dripping mess. Let the degreaser work for 15 minutes.
- 2
  Wipe the gears with rags to remove as much dirt as possible.
- 3
  Spray the degreaser on the gears once more. Scrub with a nylon brush to clean deep into the threads, where grime will cause the most damage.
- 4
  Apply a lubricant recommended by the manufacturer of the gate opener, working the lube into the threads of the worm gear and the teeth of the wheel gear.
- 5
  Activate the opener switch to open and close the gate several times. This works the lubricant into the gears as you test the operation.

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