Final answer:
The proper gear pattern on a ring gear should be centered on the tooth flank for both drive and coast sides, ensuring quiet operation of the gear set. This requires careful adjustment of gear backlash, pinion depth, and bearing preload, typically using a marking compound to visualize and adjust the contact pattern.
Step-by-step explanation:
The proper gear pattern on a ring gear for it to operate quietly is typically located in the center of the tooth flank for the drive side and the coast side. This pattern is known as the contact pattern and it is crucial for the smooth and quiet operation of the gear set.
When the contact pattern is correctly centered, it indicates that the gears are meshing properly without excessive stress on any one portion of the tooth, leading to quieter operation and longer lifespan of the gear set.
There are several factors that can affect the contact pattern, including the gear backlash, the pinion depth, and the carrier bearing preload.
Adjustments to these elements can shift the contact pattern to the desired position. Mechanics often use a special marking compound to observe the contact pattern and make the necessary adjustments. The ultimate goal is to achieve a contact pattern that is evenly distributed across the gear tooth to minimize noise and wear.