The axial position of the drive pinion relative to the ring gear centerline in a bevel or hypoid set, often specified as a mounting distance etched on the pinion. It moves the contact pattern up and down the tooth, between top land and root, and is set with a shim behind the inner pinion bearing cup or on the pinion head. Backlash moves the pattern along the tooth, so the two adjustments are made together.
Pattern's riding high on the face, pinion depth is too shallow, add five thou to the shim and recheck.
Also heard as
- pinion position
- depth
Related terms
Ring and pinion
Shop name for the hypoid final drive in a vehicle axle, named by its ratio, such as 3.73 or 4.10.
Set the pattern
Shop phrase for adjusting pinion depth and backlash on a bevel or hypoid set until the contact pattern is right.
Heel and toe
The outer, wide end (heel) and inner, narrow end (toe) of a bevel or hypoid gear tooth.
Howl
Shop word for a loud, droning gear noise, usually from a vehicle axle with a worn or badly set ring and pinion.