When you frequently replace parts yourself and perform your own repairs, you can save money by purchasing ring and pinion parts from other auto enthusiasts. However, If you discover that a pinion you purchased is chipped, you may be thinking about replacing the whole thing. However, doing so can be expensive and may not be necessary.
Chipped Pinions Can Make a Lot of Noise
If you do not repair your chipped pinion, you may cause other parts to become damaged. However, if it does not make a lot of contact with the gear tooth, the only problem you might face is that it might make some noise. Whether you will want to replace it will be based on how willing you are to tolerate the noise. The noise would indicate that the chip is in a location where the pinion contacts the ring gear.
Repairing the Chipped Pinion
You could bevel the broken edge. To smooth out the chip, use a die grinder and a small bit to smooth out the area. If you have purchased a new car with a chipped pinion and it looks worn down, it may have been running with a chip for awhile and it will appear that your vehicle can handle the chip.
Purchasing a Different Pinion
Another option is to simply purchase a different pinion just to be safe. Also, if you notice some rust on the pinion, you should especially consider repairing or replacing it. Otherwise, the rust can slowly wear on your gear and increase the risk that your other parts will be damaged. If your pinion is missing any teeth, you should definitely consider getting it replaced.
When to Consider Purchasing a Different Gear
If you are going to place a lot of stress on the pinion, such as if you will be drag racing, you should consider having the pinion replaced or the chip could lead to a stress crack, which could cause more serious problems. Also, inspect the pinion for other chips. The more chips and cracks the pinion has, the more likely that it might fail.
When to Visit an Auto Technician
A chip on a pinion can cause a jagged edge, which can then come in contact with other parts of your car. If you are not sure about whether this will be a problem, get in contact with an auto repair technician to find out. Otherwise, you might need to contact a local towing company.
