RC Pinion Gears

RC Pinion Gears

Find the right pinion gear to fine-tune the gearing and performance of your RC car, truck, buggy, or other radio-controlled model. Pinion gears are available in a wide range of tooth counts, gear pitches and bore sizes to suit different motors, spur gears and vehicle applications.

The pinion gear is mounted directly onto the motor shaft and drives the vehicle's spur gear. Changing the number of teeth on the pinion changes the overall gearing of the vehicle, allowing you to adjust acceleration, top speed and motor load.

Choosing the Correct Pinion Gear

When selecting a pinion gear, there are several important specifications to check:

1. Tooth Count

The number of teeth determines the gearing when used with a particular spur gear.

• Fewer teeth: Lower gearing, stronger acceleration and generally lower motor temperatures.
• More teeth: Higher gearing, increased potential top speed and increased motor load and temperature.

For example, changing from a 20T to a 22T pinion will increase the gearing and can provide more top speed, but it will also place additional load on the motor and ESC.

2. Gear Pitch / Module

The pinion and spur gear must use the same tooth pitch or compatible module to mesh correctly. Common RC gear sizes include:

• 32 Pitch (32P)
• 48 Pitch (48P)
• 64 Pitch (64P)
• 0.4 Module
• 0.5 Module
• 0.6 Module
• 0.8 Module
• 1.0 Module
• Other manufacturer-specific gear sizes

The pitch describes the size and spacing of the gear teeth. A higher imperial pitch number means finer, smaller teeth, while a larger metric Module number means larger teeth.

Important: Always match the pinion to the correct spur gear pitch/module. Different gear systems are not generally interchangeable, even when their specifications appear similar. Using an incorrect combination can result in poor gear mesh, excessive noise, rapid wear or damaged gears.

3. Motor Shaft Bore

Check the diameter of the motor shaft before purchasing a pinion. Common RC motor shaft sizes include:

• 2.0 mm
• 2.3 mm
• 3.0 mm / 3.175 mm (1/8")
• 5.0 mm
• 8.0 mm

The pinion must fit securely onto the motor shaft and be compatible with the motor's mounting system.

Pinion Gears for Different Applications

On-Road & Racing:
Fine-pitch gears such as 64P are commonly used where precise gearing adjustments and smooth gear operation are important.

Off-Road & Racing:
48P gearing is widely used in 1/10 scale off-road models, offering a good balance between gearing options and durability.

High-Power, Monster Trucks & Larger Models:
32P and larger metric-module gears provide larger, stronger teeth that are better suited to high-torque applications.

Gear Ratio

Your final drive gearing is determined by the relationship between the spur gear and pinion gear:

Gear Ratio = Spur Gear Teeth ÷ Pinion Gear Teeth

For example, a 72T spur gear with a 24T pinion gives a 3.0:1 gear ratio.

A higher numerical gear ratio generally provides stronger acceleration and lower motor load, while a lower numerical ratio provides higher potential speed but increases the load on the motor.

Before Ordering

Always check:

• Number of teeth required
• Gear pitch or Module
• Motor shaft diameter
• Spur gear compatibility
• Motor and ESC manufacturer's recommended gearing
• Vehicle manufacturer's recommended gearing
• Available motor-to-pinion adjustment range

Gearing is an important part of RC setup, and the correct pinion can make a significant difference to acceleration, top speed, motor temperature and overall drivetrain performance.

If you're unsure which pinion gear is suitable for your vehicle, check the vehicle or motor manufacturer's specifications and make sure the pinion and spur gear use the correct matching pitch or module.