How to judge whether the WPKS155-60 worm gear reducer is short of oil

To determine whether the WPKS155‑60 worm gear reducer is short of oil, first use the cold shutdown state to check the oil window/oil level plug (the most accurate), and then combine the temperature, noise, leakage, and oil quality to make a comprehensive judgment. Four tricks can quickly diagnose the problem.

1. Static visual inspection (stop the power, cool down to room temperature, must be done)

1. Oil window observation (most commonly used)

Position: Transparent oil mirror on the side of the box (with MIN/MAX or centerline scale).

Standard: The oil level must be between MIN and MAX, preferably above the center line (approximately 2/3); when there is no scale, it is normal for the oil to submerge 1/3 to 1/2 of the worm tooth root and not submerge the worm axis.

Oil shortage judgment: If the oil level is lower than MIN, the oil level cannot be seen, or there is only a small amount of oil stain, it can be directly judged as oil shortage.

2. Check the oil level plug (when there is no oil window)

Location: The oil level plug at the height of the center line on the side of the box (not the oil drain/oil filling hole).

Operation: Place it horizontally, turn off the power and cool down, then unscrew the screw plug; oil slowly overflows → normal; no oil, requires a probe/finger to touch the oil → lack of oil.

3. Leakage investigation

Check whether there is oil leakage at the joint surface of the box, the shaft end oil seal, and the oil drain/oil level plug; long-term oil leakage will lead to oil shortage, and sealing needs to be done simultaneously.

2. Abnormal dynamic operation (typical signal of oil shortage)

1. Temperature soars

The box/bearing seat is hot and the oil temperature is >80°C, or more than 15°C higher than usual; lack of oil causes dry friction and poor heat dissipation, and is the most sensitive to temperature rise.

2. Abnormal noise and vibration

High-frequency whistling, metal friction sound, and vibration become larger; insufficient oil film, dry grinding of the tooth surface/bearing, and increased impact.

3. Rapid deterioration of oil quality

The oil turns black, turbid, has metal shavings, is emulsified, turns white, and smells burnt; lack of oil + high temperature accelerates deterioration, creating a vicious cycle.

3. Exclusive points of WPKS155‑60

Specifications: Center distance 155mm, speed ratio 60, oil bath lubrication, standard oil volume is about 3.5~4L (subject to the manufacturer's manual).

Oil level reference: the center line of the oil window; the oil level screw plug is in the middle of the side. If it is unscrewed and there is no oil, it means there is a lack of oil.

Oil used: L‑CKC 220#/320# medium load industrial gear oil, no mixed grades are allowed.

4. Quick determination process (3 steps to complete)

1. Stop cold state → look at the oil window: lower than MIN → lack of oil; within the range → normal.

2. No oil window → tighten the oil level plug: no oil spill → lack of oil; oil → normal.

3. During operation: temperature rise/howling/oil leakage → oil shortage warning, stop the machine immediately for inspection.

5. Consequences and treatment of oil shortage

Consequences: tooth surface wear, bearing ablation, worm/worm gear gluing, and reducer scrap.

Treatment: replenish the same type of oil to the midline; if the oil quality is poor, drain the oil thoroughly, clean and change the oil; repair leaks.