What Is a Gear Drive?
by Jennifer Reed
A gear drive drive requires two gears for operation. The two gears are spur cut, and the drive gear receives force from the power output. The drive gear then transfers power to the driven gear.
Different Drive Systems
All drive systems require a drive gear. The drive gear is the main transfer from the power source to the driven gear. A belt from the drive gear to the driven gear is a "belt driven" system. Another option is the "chain driven" system. The "chain driven" system uses a chain from the drive gear to the driven gear. The "gear drive" system is direct gear-drive. The drive gear is directly meshed with the driven gear.
Common applications
Gear drives are used in transmissions, rear ends and transfer cases; at times the drive gear will be smaller than the driven gear. Different gear ratios enable the transmission to shift to lower or higher rpm speeds.
Automotive gear drive
Gear drives are used on automotive engines. A "gear drive" usually refers to the timing drive; it replaces the common timing-chain with spur-cut gears. A gear drive is known for the "whining noise" it emits. The teeth of the gears mesh together as the gears turn with the rotation of the engine. This keeps the engine in time.
References
Writer Bio
Jennifer Reed began writing in 2003. She specializes in technical, automotive and motorcycle information. Her work has appeared on CamaroNation.com and ReedPerformanceOnline. Reed is attending Penn Foster Career School and is studying to be a motorcycle technician.
