Vehicle transmissions are on track to becoming a $147 billion business. These are critical parts for a vehicle – arguably the second most important next to the engine. Whether you have an automatic or manual transmission, gear ratios are measurements that you need to be aware of so that you understand how it plays a role in your transmission’s performance.
Here are some points that you need to know about gear ratios and how they come into play.
What Are Gear Ratios?
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Gear ratio refers to the measurement of the angular speeds of both the output gear and input gear. Companies manufacturing gears list these specifications when putting parts out to the market, so it’s important that you pay attention to this at the time of purchase.
The angular speed is an indicator of the linear speed that is created when your wheels complete a revolution. Knowing the gear ratio will tell you a lot about the force exerted by your transmission, and how it relates to your vehicle’s performance.
How Do Gear Ratios Work in Practice?
Gear math aside, you must learn how these ratios play out in real-time with the vehicles that you’re driving or machines you’re using. It shows how much the fast and frequently gears of different sizes have to spin in order to complete a rotation.
These gears are connected via gear trains that keep them close together as the teeth engage and the entire gears spin.
How Do the Types of Gears Play a Role?
There are plenty of different types of gears that you might use in your transmission. These gears are made from different materials and have a variety of shapes and sizes that play a role in how they rotate and the amount of force that is created.
Here are a few different kinds of gears you should know about:
- Spur gears
- Hypoid gears
- Worm gears
- Double helical gears
- Bevel gears
- Herringbone gears
- Helical gears
Figure out whether you need steel or aluminum gears, and consider the type of transmission that you’re buying them for.
What Can You Do to Get the Best From Your Gears?
Finally, take the time to get help and service from a transmission expert that can assist you with maintenance. Maintaining your transmission often boils down to inspecting and taking care of the gears, so that they don’t corrode, are properly lubricated, and are able to complete however many revolutions are necessary.
If you need to replace any gears, start by looking into the year, make, and model of your vehicle, and get to know the type of transmission that you’re buying them for. Take the time to shop for some gear clusters that will serve your vehicle.
A Study of Gear Ratios
These tips explain what you should know about gear ratios and how they apply to the machines that you use. Transmission work is one of the best steps you can take when you’re looking into getting the most from your vehicle, and understanding gear ratio will steer you in the right direction.
Check out our other articles to learn more about automobiles and machinery and industrial processes.
