Core Applications of Automotive Gear Shafts in the Automotive Industry
In the field of automotive manufacturing, automotive gear shafts are indispensable key components. Their core functions include transmitting power, controlling torque, and ensuring reliability—making them the heart of the entire automotive power transmission system. They penetrate almost the entire power chain of a vehicle, from the engine to the wheels, enabling smooth driving performance. So, what are the specific applications of these gear shafts in automotive manufacturing? And what unique advantages do they offer? This article will explore the core applications and distinctive benefits of the automotive gear shafts supplied by Songjie with you.
I. Gearboxes for Fuel-Powered Vehicles
In traditional fuel-powered vehicles, automotive gear shafts serve as the core connecting component between the engine and the gearbox, and also act as the “key executor” for power distribution inside the gearbox. Within the transmission, these shafts are responsible for adjusting the vehicle’s speed and torque to adapt to different driving conditions. Through precise gear ratio design, gear shafts enable optimal power distribution, thereby improving the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and driving experience.
Furthermore, in manual transmissions, automotive gear shafts directly determine the driver’s “gear-shifting feel.” When the driver moves the gear lever, the input shaft connects to the clutch driven plate via splines, while the output shaft achieves precise gear meshing through synchronizers—ensuring smooth gear shifting and low noise performance.
Songjie Case: Several engine manufacturers from New Zealand customized high-precision helical automotive gear shafts from our company for use in engine gearboxes. Utilizing carburizing and quenching + precision gear grinding processes, these shafts effectively reduce noise and vibration during power transmission, enhance driving quality and comfort, and improve the overall durability of the transmission by 20%.
II. Differential
Songjie Case: Several top Asian automotive manufacturers required optimization and upgrading of the gear shafts for their electric drive reducers, so they customized gear shafts made of high-strength aluminum alloy from us. After the upgrade, the shaft weight was reduced by 20%, the transmission efficiency of the electric drive system increased from 96.5% to 98.2%, the NEDC cruising range of the vehicle was extended by 35km, and the operating noise of the reducer was reduced by 3dB. User feedback indicated a significant improvement in driving quality. This case fully demonstrates the key role of automotive gear shafts in “reducing weight and improving efficiency” for new energy vehicles.
III. Electric Drive System
Typically, in the electric drive system of new energy vehicles (NEVs), gear shaft forgings are used for reducing speed and increasing torque between the electric motor and the wheels, serving as the core component of the electric drive axle. Moreover, the final drive gear shafts and differential gear shafts inside the drive axle are the key components for torque amplification and power distribution. These shafts feature high-speed motor compatibility, high-integration design, and low friction loss, while ensuring efficient power transmission.
Songjie Case: Several NEV manufacturers from Colombia have equipped both their front and rear axle drive motors with independent automotive gear shaft assemblies supplied by us. We utilize high-alloy materials combined with processes such as carburizing and quenching, induction hardening, and shot peening. This enables the shafts to not only withstand high torque loads but also resist fatigue wear during long-term operation. Additionally, through the electronic control system, intelligent and precise power distribution is achieved—realizing “slower inner wheel, faster outer wheel” during cornering and enhancing power transmission efficiency.
IV. Steering System
The precision of an automotive steering system hinges on the automotive gear shafts within the steering gear—particularly the rack shafts and worm shafts in mechanical hydraulic power steering (MHPS) or electric power steering (EPS) systems. The worm shaft connects to the motor output end and, through meshing with the rack shaft, converts the motor’s rotational motion into linear motion to achieve steering assistance. These shafts feature high response speed for enhanced handling precision, a low backlash design for improved road feel feedback, and quiet operation for elevated driving comfort.
Songjie Case: An off-road truck manufacturer from South Korea sourced gear shafts made of carburized bearing steel from us. These shafts not only boast a 30% increase in hardness and a 25% improvement in torque-bearing capacity but also demonstrated exceptional durability in subsequent field tests: the vehicle operated continuously for 1,000km under complex road conditions such as mud and steep slopes, with no wear or deformation observed on the transfer case gear shafts. Their service life doubled compared to the original product, significantly reducing maintenance costs for commercial vehicle users.
Conclusion
Beyond the core applications outlined above, automotive gear shafts are also utilized in vehicle suspension systems, drive systems, and other components, remaining an indispensable key part in automotive manufacturing. Similarly, mechanical gear shafts deliver significant value in the construction machinery sector. At Songjie, we offer customized gear shafts made from a variety of materials to meet the diverse needs of customers across multiple industries.