Gear Set Break In
Knowledge Center
Break In Your New Gears Right
A proper break-in extends the life of your new ring and pinion and helps prevent premature failure caused by extreme friction and heat.
15-20 Miles
Then let it cool
2-3 Times
Repeat the cycle
500 Miles
First gear oil change
Why Break-In Matters
When installing a new ring and pinion, whether to replace a worn-out gear set or because you’re re-gearing a vehicle, we recommend properly breaking in the new components. Although your new ring and pinion is “lapped” from the factory for smooth and quiet operation, they will still need to be broken in once they have been installed. Just like there is a break-in period for a new car engine or set of brakes, you also need to ease your ring and pinion into action.
The correct break-in procedure will extend the life of the components and help with the prevention of premature failure usually caused by extreme friction and heat. A ring and pinion will initially run hotter when new. If the temperature exceeds ideal operating conditions for an extended period, the gear oil will break down and can cause extensive damage to the ring and pinion.
Upgrade Option: REM Surface Finishing (RSF)
Break In Faster with RSF
Revolution Gear & Axle superfinishes ring and pinions in-house with REM Surface Finishing, available on request. RSF reduces break-in time for the gears, and REM lists reduced friction, lower operating temperatures and reduced vibration and noise among its benefits for automotive gearing.
Good to know: RSF shortens break-in but does not eliminate it. Bearings still require heat cycles regardless of RSF use, and skipping them risks premature bearing failure. Follow the full procedure below either way.
Add it to your order and allow 5-7 additional business days for RSF processing.
How to Break In a Ring and Pinion
The suggested break-in procedure for a ring and pinion gear is as follows:
1
Around Town
First drives and first 100 miles
- Drive 15 to 20 miles under normal driving conditions (no highway speeds), stop and let differential cool before proceeding, repeat this process 2-3 times
- Avoid heavy accelerating during the break-in process
- Keep the vehicle under 60 MPH for the first 100 miles
2
Highway
Higher heat, same cool-down rule
- Highway driving also requires proper break-in due to the higher heat temperatures produced, drive 15-20 minutes at max 60 MPH, stop and let differential cool before proceeding, repeat this process 2-3 times
3
Up to 500 Miles
Every mile before the oil change
- Driving on a new ring and pinion before the initial 500 mile oil change should be under normal driving conditions: no hard starts, racing, off-roading, towing, and should not be flat towed.
4
At 500 Miles
Change the gear oil
- Change Gear Oil after the 500 mile break-in, this removes metal particles and phosphate coating from the gear set during the break-in period.
5
First Tows
After the 500 mile oil change
- After the 500 mile oil change, the first towing should be less than 15 miles, then let the differential cool before proceeding, repeat this process 2-3 times
Until the 500 Mile Oil Change, Avoid:
✕
Hard Starts
✕
Racing
✕
Off-Roading
✕
Towing
✕
Flat Towing
Gear Oil
Recommended Weight
80W-90 or 85W-140
Type
Non-Synthetic
Grade
GL5 or Higher
The recommended gear oil is an 80W-90 or 85W-140, non-synthetic, GL5 grade or higher from a name brand. Revolution Gear & Axle offers both 80W-90 and 85W-140 gear oil and can be purchased with any ring and pinions.
Extreme weather? Please note extreme weather conditions may require alternative weight oil so be sure to consult a local mechanic or lube technician for recommendations.
Ring and Pinion Gear Service
Follow the factory service manual for recommended differential service intervals unless the vehicle is regularly used in extreme conditions. If this is the case, you will want to service the differential more often. A good rule of thumb for heavy-use vehicles is to service them twice as often as a normal-use vehicle.