Most of the last generation of CLW gearboxes that I see work just fine. The gearbox contains a metal worm, probably steel, and a plastic axle gear, probably Delrin that reported self lubricates.
Occasionally I find one or two gearboxes that are very stiff which I have attributed to a cracked axle gear. I have seen this symptom with the Weaver gearbox of similar design. Yet that may not actually be case with the CLW. The CLW gearboxes case halves are riveted together unlike Weaver so actually checking is not exactly easy. As of late I have been able to loosen the CLW mechanism with light grade Labelle oil. I am starting to think that the notion of self lubrication is somewhat overstated. Now thinking that both Weaver and CLW gearboxes could benefit significantly with a light grade plastic compatible lubricant, instead of running dry. Curious to hear the experience of others.
