Synchro ring query

[elancoupe]

In the course of perusing the offerings of some of our common vendors, I noticed that besides the usual brass synchro rings, some are also selling “coated” (moly) steel versions. Quite pricey as well.

I am hardly a gearbox expert , but wouldn’t these stronger rings take away from the sacrificial aspect of the brass rings and transfer more wear to the actual hubs? Inquiring minds, etc.

[promotor]

In the course of perusing the offerings of some of our common vendors, I noticed that besides the usual brass synchro rings, some are also selling “coated” (moly) steel versions. Quite pricey as well.

I am hardly a gearbox expert , but wouldn’t these stronger rings take away from the sacrificial aspect of the brass rings and transfer more wear to the actual hubs? Inquiring minds, etc.

You've definitely hit the nail on the head there - better to have worn synchro rings than worn gear cones and their respective dogs and less wear on the synchroniser units when it comes to overhaul time.

Steel rings should be slightly noisier : whether it's actually noticeable when driving though is to be debated I'm sure.
Early Ford Anglia gearboxes used to use steel selector forks (although rings were always bronze) until they moved to bronze ones - although I'm guessing that was done due to noise that steel would make on the steel synchroniser sleeve as well as rattling noises. Not sure if the steel forks were harder wearing or not - I've seen some, but not enough to make a strong case for or against.

Steel synchro rings are really only needed for hard conditions found in racing.

[h20hamelan]

As long as we can still get GL4, or brass safe GL5