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Do it right to prevent damage & premature failure.
NEW GEAR BREAK-IN

All new ring & pinion gear sets must be properly broken in!!!

Improper gear break-in procedures may cause overloading and overheating of the ring and pinion gears as well as break down of the gear oil. Failure to properly break-in a new gear set can be identified by inspection, and may void the manufacturer’s warranty.

If you’re replacing the ring & pinion gear set, don’t plan on heading up over that mountain pass or hooking up that heavy trailer just yet….. Following the simple steps outlined below before you head out can prevent potential noise issues or gear damage.

  • After driving lightly the first 15-20 miles at around 60 mph, STOP and let the differential cool completely.  Stop & have a lunch or dinner break…..more cooling time is good.  Overnight is even better.
  • Maintaining a speed below 60 mph and driving conservatively for the first 100 miles is also advised.
  • The gear oil should be changed after 500 miles.
  • We recommend that you drive at least 500 miles before any heavy use or towing.
  • During the first 45 miles of actual towing, only drive 10-15 miles at a time before stopping to let the differential cool.

These steps are necessary to prevent damage to the new ring & pinion gear. Any heavy use or overloading of the differential during the first 500 miles may cause irreparable damage to the gear set.

AGAIN, IMPROPER BREAK-IN CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY INSPECTION AND MAY VOID THE MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY.

Find a Dealer

Find the application and ratio you need? Locate a Sierra Gear & Axle Distributor near you.

Gear Calculator

Doing a gear ratio change but not sure what you want? Try our Differential Gear Calculator.