Side Gears: Pressure Angle 20-22 degrees, Module 2.5-5.0

Component Specifications

Definition

Side gears are bevel gears located within a differential assembly, typically meshing with pinion gears to distribute rotational force from the driveshaft to the axle shafts. They play a critical role in allowing wheels to rotate at different speeds during cornering while maintaining torque delivery.

Working Principle

Side gears operate on the principle of torque distribution through bevel gear meshing. When a vehicle turns, the differential allows the outer wheel to rotate faster than the inner wheel. The side gears, connected to the axle shafts, rotate at different speeds relative to each other while still receiving torque from the ring gear via the pinion gears, ensuring smooth power transfer and minimizing tire wear.

Materials

Typically forged or machined from high-strength alloy steels such as SAE 8620, 4140, or 4340, often case-hardened through carburizing or nitriding to achieve surface hardness of 58-62 HRC with a tough core.

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Module	2.5-5.0
Hardness	58-62 HRC surface
Tooth Profile	Spiral Bevel
Pressure Angle	20-22 degrees
Precision Grade	AGMA 10-12 or ISO 6-8

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Standards

ISO 1328, AGMA 2008, DIN 3961

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

Front Differential

A mechanical device in the front axle of an all-wheel drive vehicle that allows the front wheels to rotate at different speeds while distributing torque.

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Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation

Tooth fracture under overload
Premature wear from misalignment
Noise generation due to improper meshing
Lubrication failure leading to seizure

FMEA Triads

Trigger: Insufficient lubrication or contaminated gear oil
Failure: Accelerated tooth wear, pitting, or scoring
Mitigation: Regular maintenance with specified lubricants; install magnetic drain plugs to capture metal particles

Trigger: Excessive torque from aggressive driving or towing
Failure: Tooth bending fatigue or fracture
Mitigation: Design with adequate safety factors; use torque-limiting devices; educate users on load limits

Trigger: Misalignment during assembly or housing distortion
Failure: Uneven load distribution, noise, and premature failure
Mitigation: Precision alignment during assembly; use dowel pins for positioning; conduct run-out checks

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Typical Suppliers & Equivalents

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance

Tooth profile tolerance per ISO 1328 Class 7-8; backlash typically 0.10-0.20 mm

Test Method

Gear mesh pattern check with marking compound; torque capacity testing per SAE J1543; hardness verification per ASTM E18

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation

Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.

Manufacturing capability

Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.

Inspection readiness

Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.

Supplier transparency

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CNFX does not score or rank suppliers. Buyers must verify all claims and documents with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Manufacturers of Side Gears

Manufacturer profiles associated with Side Gears.

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Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team. Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of a side gear in a differential?

The side gear transfers torque from the differential case to the axle shafts, allowing wheels to rotate at different speeds during turns while maintaining power delivery.

Can side gears be replaced individually?

Typically, side gears are replaced as part of a matched set with pinion gears to ensure proper meshing and wear patterns, though individual replacement is possible if specifications are precisely matched.

What are common failure modes for side gears?

Common failures include tooth pitting, spalling, wear due to inadequate lubrication, and fracture from excessive torque or impact loads.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records. See the editorial policy.

Preliminary Technical Classification

This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

Side Gears