Line guide pins, aka pawls, are the most commonly replaced part on all brands of bait cast reels. Properly cared for, they will last for years, but it is very easy to overlook taking care of the line guide system of a reel. Damage occurs without us feeling or seeing it first occur, and then the problem continues to heighten to the point of total failure. The top three reasons line guide systems fail account for 98%+ of all line guide system failures. #1 by far is not keeping the front area of the reel clean, followed by improper lubrication, and third, other obstruction.
Keeping the area clean will resolve 80% of line guide system failures. Tolerances between the line guide and worm shaft cover are engineered to provide enough room for the line guide to glide over the cover on a thin film of oil for optimum smoothness. Oil also acts as a magnet for dust particles, sand, small bits of vegetation, and anything else your line carries in water droplets after each cast. Sooner than you realize the residue builds into a film of grime causing the line guide to drag on the cover and also not traverse fully to each side. The line guide pin (pawl) will eventually catch on the tip of a cross cut in the worm shaft. It's hardly noticeable the first time, but becomes progressively worse. Anytime you fish water with heavy vegetation or silt, use a tooth brush and cotton swab to clean the worm shaft cover and frame area around it at the end of your day. A good rule of thumb is if you see grime or residue, scrub it off.
Too much and too little oil on the line guide system components are equally destructive. One small drop of oil on the worm shaft cover should be plenty after cleaning. Crank the reel several times to allow the line guide to spread the oil over the cover. If you still see a dry spot on the cover, dab it with an oiled cotton swab. Also place a drop of oil on the worm shaft itself and crank the reel several times to lubricate the shaft. Add a second drop of oil to the dry side of the worm shaft (not the cover) only if necessary. Excess oil will attract and hold more grit and grime. A dry cover or shaft will cause excess friction.
On occasion, something will become lodged between the line guide and frame. Continuing to crank the reel if the line guide becomes stuck will risk further damage. The pin or pawl is usually damaged first. Continuing to crank will inevitably damage the worm shaft. When replacing the gear side plate screws after servicing, it is important to remember the shorter screw belongs in the hole at the top of the reel next to the thumb screw. One of the longer screws will pass through the frame and impede the line guide.