SPIDER Automation | 48P 20T Steel Pinion Gear | 3.17mm Bore for 1/10 Scale RC Cars
Product Overview
The 48P 20T Steel Pinion Gear is a compact motor-side gear designed for compatible 1/10 scale radio-controlled car drivetrains. It transfers rotational motion from the motor to the spur gear, forming part of the vehicle’s gear-reduction and power-transmission system.
This pinion features a 20-tooth profile with a 48-pitch (48P) gear standard. It is intended for use with a matching 48P spur gear. Changing the pinion tooth count can alter the overall gearing, affecting the relationship between motor speed, wheel speed and drivetrain torque.
The gear has a stated 3.17mm bore, while the supplier references a 2.7mm motor shaft. Since these dimensions differ, the mounting arrangement must be compatible with the actual motor shaft. A suitable reducer sleeve or adapter may be required where the shaft and bore do not match directly.
Technical Features & Functional Characteristics
- 20-Tooth Pinion: Provides a 20T motor gear configuration for compatible RC drivetrain assemblies.
- 48-Pitch Gear Standard: Designed to mesh with a matching 48P spur gear. The pinion and spur gear must use the same pitch standard.
- 3.17mm Inner Bore: Provides the stated bore dimension for checking motor-shaft and adapter compatibility.
- 2.7mm Shaft Reference: The supplier identifies a 2.7mm motor shaft reference. This should not be interpreted as a direct-fit guarantee for the 3.17mm bore.
- Metal Construction: Supplied as a metal gear, with steel identified in the package description.
- Black Finish: Features a black exterior finish.
- Replaceable Motor Gear: Suitable for replacement and gearing adjustments in compatible RC car transmission systems.
Gear Ratio & RC Drivetrain Function
The pinion gear is mounted on the motor shaft and meshes with the larger spur gear in the RC vehicle’s drivetrain. As the motor rotates the pinion, the spur gear receives the motion and transfers it through the remaining transmission components.
The pinion tooth count contributes to the gear ratio. When paired with a compatible spur gear, a smaller pinion generally produces greater gear reduction, while a larger pinion generally produces a higher speed-oriented ratio. The final result also depends on the spur gear tooth count, motor characteristics, drivetrain design, tyre size and vehicle load.
For correct operation, the pinion and spur gear must share the same 48P pitch standard and be installed with suitable gear mesh. Incorrect mesh or shaft mounting can cause excessive noise, tooth wear or drivetrain damage.
Applications
- 1/10 Scale RC Cars: For compatible radio-controlled cars using a 48P pinion-and-spur gear drivetrain.
- RC Gear Ratio Tuning: For adjusting the motor-side tooth count to change the drivetrain gearing.
- RC Car Maintenance: For replacing a worn or damaged 20T motor pinion.
- Electric RC Drivetrains: For compatible electric motor and spur gear transmission assemblies.
- RC Buggy Projects: For suitable 1/10 scale buggy platforms with matching 48P gearing and shaft mounting.
- RC Touring Cars: For compatible touring car transmissions designed around 48P gears.
- RC Truck Projects: For suitable 1/10 scale electric RC trucks with a matching pinion and spur gear system.
- Model Engineering: For compact motor-driven mechanisms using compatible 48P gear components.
Package Includes
| Quantity | Component |
|---|---|
| 1 | 48P 20T 3.17mm Bore Steel Pinion Gear – Black |
Product Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Motor Pinion Gear |
| Gear Pitch | 48P (48 Pitch) |
| Number of Teeth | 20T |
| Bore / Inner Diameter | 3.17mm |
| Motor Shaft Diameter Reference | 2.7mm |
| Material | Steel (metal construction) |
| Colour | Black |
| Compatible Gear Type | Matching 48P spur gear |
| Intended Scale | 1/10 scale RC models |
| Package Quantity | 1 pinion gear |
Installation & Operating Recommendations
Install the pinion on a compatible motor shaft and mesh it with a matching 48P spur gear. Correct shaft fitment, secure retention and suitable gear mesh are essential for smooth drivetrain operation and reduced gear wear.
- Check Shaft and Bore Fitment: The stated 3.17mm bore and 2.7mm shaft reference are different dimensions. Use a suitable mounting adapter or reducer where required rather than forcing the gear onto the shaft.
- Match the Gear Pitch: Use a 48P spur gear. Do not pair this pinion with gears using a different pitch standard.
- Set Correct Gear Mesh: Adjust the pinion-to-spur spacing according to the RC vehicle manufacturer’s recommended gear-mesh procedure.
- Secure the Pinion: Use a compatible shaft-retention arrangement to prevent unwanted movement during operation.
- Check Gear Alignment: Keep the pinion and spur gear properly aligned to support even tooth engagement.
- Rotate Before Powering: Turn the drivetrain manually to check for binding, tight spots or interference before running the motor.
- Monitor Temperature and Noise: Unusual gear noise or excessive heat can indicate incorrect mesh, alignment or drivetrain loading.
- Inspect During Maintenance: Check the pinion and mating spur gear for damaged or worn teeth and replace components when necessary.
