1. Product Overview
The Axial AX30401 is a heavy-duty bevel gear set designed for use in Axial axles. This set features a 36-tooth ring gear and a 14-tooth pinion gear, providing a higher gear ratio. It is engineered to improve gear mesh, reduce drivetrain slop, and offer increased durability for remote control vehicles.
Key features include:
- Improved gear mesh, reducing slop in the drive train.
- Spiral cut gears provide increased gear tooth contact and run quieter.
- Hardened steel construction for increased strength and additional weight in the axle.
- Laser etched markings for easy identification.
- One set is required per axle.
Image 1.1: The Axial AX30401 Heavy Duty HD Bevel Gear Set, showing the 36-tooth ring gear, 14-tooth pinion gear, and a small retaining screw.
2. Safety Information
Please read and understand all instructions and warnings before assembly, setup, or use of this product. Failure to operate the product correctly can result in damage to the product, personal property, and cause serious injury.
- This is a sophisticated hobby product. It must be operated with caution and common sense and requires some basic mechanical ability.
- Failure to operate this product in a safe and responsible manner could result in injury or damage to the product or other property.
- This product is not intended for use by children without direct adult supervision.
- Do not use with incompatible components or alter this product in any way outside of the instructions provided by Horizon Hobby, LLC.
- It is essential to read and follow all instructions and warnings in the manual prior to assembly, setup, or use, in order to operate correctly and avoid damage or serious injury.
3. Installation and Setup
This gear set is designed for installation within Axial axles. Proper installation is crucial for optimal performance and durability.
- Preparation: Ensure your vehicle's axle housing is clean and free of debris. Gather necessary tools, including small screwdrivers, wrenches, and appropriate lubricants (not included).
- Disassembly: Carefully disassemble the existing differential and remove the stock gear set from the axle housing. Refer to your vehicle's specific service manual for detailed disassembly instructions.
- Gear Installation: Install the new 36T ring gear onto the differential case and the 14T pinion gear into the axle housing. Ensure proper alignment and seating.
- Shimming (if necessary): While these gears are designed for improved mesh, always check for proper gear mesh. If excessive play or binding is observed, shims (not included) may be required to achieve optimal tooth contact between the ring and pinion gears.
- Lubrication: Apply a suitable high-quality grease or lubricant to the gear teeth before reassembly to minimize friction and wear.
- Reassembly: Reassemble the differential and axle housing, ensuring all screws are tightened to the manufacturer's specifications. Verify that the axle rotates freely without binding.
Note: One gear set is required per axle. For vehicles with front and rear axles, two sets may be needed if you wish to upgrade both. Different front and rear gear combinations can be used to reduce torque twist in the rear and overdrive the front axle, which can assist in climbing.
4. Operating Considerations
The 36T/14T gear set provides a higher gear ratio, which can impact your RC vehicle's performance characteristics.
- Overdrive Effect: When installed in the front axle, this gear set can create an "overdrive" effect, causing the front wheels to spin slightly faster than the rear wheels. This can help the vehicle pull through climbs more effectively and improve steering response during crawling.
- Torque Twist Reduction: Using different gear combinations between the front and rear axles can help reduce torque twist, a common issue in RC crawlers where the chassis twists under acceleration.
- Performance Tuning: Experimenting with gear ratios allows for fine-tuning your vehicle's performance to suit different terrains and driving styles. For a lower gear range (43T/13T), refer to Axial model AX30402.
5. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your gear set.
- Inspection: Periodically inspect the gear teeth for signs of wear, pitting, or damage. Replace the gear set if significant wear is observed.
- Lubrication: Reapply high-quality gear grease during routine maintenance or after operating in wet/dirty conditions. Ensure adequate lubrication to all moving parts.
- Cleanliness: Keep the axle housing and gears free from dirt, dust, and debris, which can accelerate wear.
- Fastener Check: Verify that all fasteners securing the differential and axle components are tight. Loose fasteners can lead to premature wear or failure.
6. Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Excessive noise from axle | Improper gear mesh, insufficient lubrication, worn gears. | Check gear mesh and adjust shims if necessary. Apply fresh gear grease. Inspect gears for wear and replace if damaged. |
| Axle binding or stiff rotation | Over-tightened fasteners, improper gear installation, debris in housing. | Loosen and re-tighten fasteners to specifications. Re-check gear installation. Clean axle housing thoroughly. |
| Premature gear wear | Lack of lubrication, improper gear mesh, excessive power, foreign objects. | Ensure regular lubrication. Verify correct gear mesh. Avoid excessive power input. Keep axle clean. |
7. Specifications
- Model Number: AX30401
- Gear Ratio: 36T (Ring Gear) / 14T (Pinion Gear)
- Material: Hardened Steel
- Product Dimensions: 1.97 x 0.79 x 1.97 inches
- Item Weight: 0.32 ounces
- Manufacturer: Horizon Hobby
- Recommended Age: 15 years and up
8. What's in the Box
- One (1) 36T/14T Heavy Duty Gear Set
