🔩 Gear Coupling Flange – Eaton / Tata / AL / BharatBenz (Serrated)
📌 What a Gear Coupling Is
A gear coupling is a mechanical torque‑transmitting device used to join two rotating shafts — for example, the gearbox output shaft and the propeller shaft / driveshaft — in heavy vehicles. It consists of mated external and internal gear teeth that mesh to transfer torque under load while accommodating minor angular, axial, and parallel misalignments.
In commercial vehicle drivetrains (like Eaton‑Tata, Ashok Leyland, BharatBenz), the gear coupling flange is typically a serrated flange machined to fit on the gearbox output or propeller shaft and bolted to the companion flange, ensuring a positive mechanical lock for dependable torque transmission.
⚙️ Where It’s Used
🔧 Application Vehicles:
Eaton‑equipped Tata trucks (various GVW classes)
Ashok Leyland (AL) medium‑/heavy‑duty trucks
BharatBenz trucks with Eaton or Meritor gearboxes/geared transmissions
🔩 Position in Driveline:
Gearbox output → Gear Coupling Flange → Propeller shaft / driveshaft → Rear differential
The coupling is usually a flanged, serrated (splined) plate with multiple bolt holes, connecting gearbox output to the driveshaft yoke.
🛠️ Typical Characteristics
Serrated / Splined Face – Provides positive engagement with mating flange/yoke for strong torque transfer.
Bolt Pattern – Commonly 4 bolts for flange mounting (varies by gearbox model).
Spline Count / Size – Dimensions vary by vehicle and gearbox model; a typical example for heavy‑duty GVW classes is 30–38 splines on 6″ or 7″ diameter flange face.
Heavy Duty Design – Made from high‑strength steel to resist shock loads and constant torque cycles encountered in truck drivetrains.