On a bevel or hypoid gear, the heel is the end of the tooth farthest from the cone apex, at the outside diameter, and the toe is the end nearest the apex. Setup instructions describe the contact pattern by position along this length: a heel pattern or toe pattern means contact is concentrated toward that end. Under load the pattern moves toward the heel, so it is set slightly toward the toe when checked lightly loaded.
Pattern's sitting on the heel on the drive side, bring backlash down a hair and it should walk toward the toe.
Also heard as
- heel
- toe
- heel contact
- toe contact
Related terms
Contact pattern
The imprint left on gear teeth by marking compound after running, showing where and how the teeth touch.
Bevel gear
A cone-shaped gear that transmits motion between intersecting shafts, usually at right angles.
Pinion depth
How far the hypoid or bevel pinion sits along its axis toward the gear, set with shims behind its bearing.
Set the pattern
Shop phrase for adjusting pinion depth and backlash on a bevel or hypoid set until the contact pattern is right.