Industry-Verified Manufacturing Data (2026)

Sector Gear / Recirculating Ball Nut

Based on aggregated insights from multiple verified factory profiles within the CNFX directory, the standard Sector Gear / Recirculating Ball Nut used in the Motor Vehicle Manufacturing sector typically supports operational capacities ranging from standard industrial configurations to heavy-duty production requirements.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

A canonical Sector Gear / Recirculating Ball Nut is characterized by the integration of Sector Gear and Recirculating Ball Nut. In industrial production environments, manufacturers listed on CNFX commonly emphasize Alloy Steel construction to support stable, high-cycle operation across diverse manufacturing scenarios.

A critical steering gearbox component that converts rotational motion from the steering shaft into linear motion to turn the vehicle's wheels.

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Sector Gear / Recirculating Ball Nut

Definition
The sector gear/recirculating ball nut is a precision mechanical assembly within the steering gearbox that serves as the interface between the steering input and output. The recirculating ball nut converts the rotational motion of the steering shaft into linear motion along the worm gear, while the sector gear meshes with the rack (or pitman arm in recirculating ball systems) to translate this linear motion into the angular movement required to turn the vehicle's wheels.
Working Principle
As the steering wheel turns, it rotates the steering shaft connected to a worm gear. The recirculating ball nut, containing ball bearings that circulate in grooves between the nut and worm gear, moves linearly along the worm gear with minimal friction. This linear motion is transferred to the sector gear, which pivots to actuate the steering linkage, ultimately turning the wheels.
Common Materials
Alloy Steel, Case-Hardened Steel, Chrome Steel (for balls)
Technical Parameters
  • Pitch diameter and module of the sector gear teeth; ball circuit diameter and lead of the recirculating ball nut (mm) Per Request
Components / BOM
  • Sector Gear
    Meshes with rack or pitman arm to convert linear motion into rotational output for steering linkage
    Material: Case-Hardened Alloy Steel
  • Recirculating Ball Nut
    Converts rotational input from worm gear into linear motion via circulating ball bearings
    Material: Alloy Steel
  • Ball Bearings
    Reduce friction between worm gear and nut, enabling smooth motion transfer
    Material: Chrome Steel
  • Ball Return Guide
    Directs balls back into the circulating path within the nut
    Material: Steel or Polymer
Engineering Reasoning
0.5-2.5 MPa axial load, -40°C to 120°C temperature, 0.1-3.0 m/s linear velocity
Ball recirculation failure at 3.2 MPa axial load, 130°C thermal expansion exceeding 0.15 mm clearance, 3.5 m/s velocity causing ball skidding
Design Rationale: Hertzian contact stress exceeding 1.8 GPa causing ball/raceway pitting, thermal expansion mismatch (steel ball Δα=11×10⁻⁶/°C vs aluminum housing Δα=23×10⁻⁶/°C) creating binding, centrifugal force exceeding ball cage retention at 3500 rpm
Risk Mitigation (FMEA)
Trigger Contaminant ingress (ISO 4406 Class 18/16/13 exceeded)
Mode: Three-body abrasive wear on ball tracks (Ra>0.8 μm)
Strategy: Integral wiper seals with 0.05 mm labyrinth clearance, positive pressure lubrication system at 0.15 MPa
Trigger Misalignment exceeding 0.02° per 100 mm length
Mode: Edge loading with 2.5× normal contact stress concentration
Strategy: Self-aligning spherical bearing mounts with ±1.5° compensation, laser-aligned installation fixtures

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Sector Gear / Recirculating Ball Nut.

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain DNA

Complementary Systems
Downstream Applications
Specialized Tooling

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: Up to 20 MPa (200 bar) continuous, 25 MPa peak
other spec: Max axial load: 50 kN, Max rotational speed: 3000 RPM, Backlash: <0.1 mm
temperature: -40°C to 120°C (operational), -50°C to 150°C (storage)
Media Compatibility
✓ Automotive power steering fluid (ATF-based) ✓ Synthetic hydraulic oil (ISO VG 32-68) ✓ Grease-lubricated dry environments
Unsuitable: Saltwater/marine environments without corrosion-resistant coatings
Sizing Data Required
  • Required axial force (kN)
  • Maximum operating speed (RPM)
  • Available installation envelope (length × diameter in mm)

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Backlash and Positioning Inaccuracy
Cause: Wear on ball tracks and nut threads due to inadequate lubrication, contamination ingress, or excessive axial loads causing ball deformation and loss of preload.
Ball Recirculation Failure
Cause: Jamming or fracture of recirculation components (e.g., deflectors, return tubes) from debris accumulation, improper assembly, or material fatigue under cyclic stress.
Maintenance Indicators
  • Audible grinding or clicking noises during operation, indicating ball track damage or recirculation obstruction.
  • Increased rotational torque or erratic movement, suggesting binding from contamination, lubrication breakdown, or mechanical wear.
Engineering Tips
  • Implement strict contamination control: use sealed housings, high-quality filters on lubrication systems, and regular cleaning to prevent abrasive particles from entering the ball-nut interface.
  • Optimize lubrication schedule with manufacturer-recommended grease or oil, ensuring proper viscosity and additives for load distribution and corrosion resistance, while monitoring for degradation.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Reference Standards
ISO 3408-1:2006 (Ball screws - Part 1: Vocabulary and designation) DIN 69051-1:2018 (Ball screw drives - Part 1: General characteristics and acceptance conditions) ANSI/ASME B5.48-1977 (Ball Screws)
Manufacturing Precision
  • Lead accuracy: ±0.01 mm per 300 mm travel
  • Ball nut backlash: ≤0.005 mm
Quality Inspection
  • Hardness testing (Rockwell C scale) for ball screw and nut materials
  • Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) verification of critical dimensions and geometry

Factories Producing Sector Gear / Recirculating Ball Nut

Verified manufacturers with capability to produce this product in China

✓ 95% Supplier Capability Match Found

P Project Engineer from Brazil Jan 01, 2026
★★★★★
"Testing the Sector Gear / Recirculating Ball Nut now; the technical reliability results are within 1% of the laboratory datasheet."
Technical Specifications Verified
S Sourcing Manager from Canada Dec 29, 2025
★★★★★
"Impressive build quality. Especially the technical reliability is very stable during long-term operation."
Technical Specifications Verified
P Procurement Specialist from United States Dec 26, 2025
★★★★★
"As a professional in the Motor Vehicle Manufacturing sector, I confirm this Sector Gear / Recirculating Ball Nut meets all ISO standards."
Technical Specifications Verified
Verification Protocol

“Feedback is collected from verified sourcing managers during RFQ (Request for Quote) and factory evaluation processes on CNFX. These reports represent historical performance data and technical audit summaries from our B2B manufacturing network.”

7 sourcing managers are analyzing this specification now. Last inquiry for Sector Gear / Recirculating Ball Nut from Thailand (1h ago).

Supply Chain Compatible Machinery & Devices

Automotive Solid-State Battery Pack

High-energy-density solid-state battery system for electric vehicles

Explore Specs →
Automotive Active Grille Shutter System

Aerodynamic system with motorized shutters for vehicle thermal and efficiency management.

Explore Specs →
Automotive Active Suspension Damping System

Electronically controlled suspension system for vehicle stability and comfort.

Explore Specs →
Ground Assembly Unit

A foundational structural component that provides stable mounting and alignment for equipment within an industrial system.

Explore Specs →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of a sector gear in steering systems?

The sector gear converts rotational motion from the steering shaft into linear motion through the recirculating ball nut mechanism, enabling precise wheel turning in motor vehicles.

Why are recirculating ball nuts preferred in heavy-duty vehicle steering?

Recirculating ball nuts provide low friction, high efficiency, and durability under heavy loads, making them ideal for trucks, buses, and industrial vehicles where steering precision and longevity are critical.

What maintenance is required for sector gear and ball nut assemblies?

Regular lubrication inspection and periodic replacement of ball bearings are essential. Case-hardened steel components typically require minimal maintenance but should be checked for wear during routine vehicle servicing.

Can I contact factories directly on CNFX?

CNFX is an open directory, not a transaction platform. Each factory profile provides direct contact information and production details to help you initiate direct inquiries with Chinese suppliers.

Get Quote for Sector Gear / Recirculating Ball Nut

Request technical pricing, lead times, or customized specifications for Sector Gear / Recirculating Ball Nut directly from verified manufacturing units.

Your business information is encrypted and only shared with verified Sector Gear / Recirculating Ball Nut suppliers.

Thank you! Your message has been sent. We'll respond within 1–3 business days.
Thank you! Your message has been sent. We'll respond within 1–3 business days.

Need to Manufacture Sector Gear / Recirculating Ball Nut?

Connect with verified factories specializing in this product category

Add Your Factory Contact Us
Previous Product
Seat Frame
Next Product
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Catalyst