1 Purpose and Functions
This product is a professionally refurbished mechanical gearbox (reducer) designed for the front-axle drive systems of all-electric vehicles (BEV) from Hyundai and Kia. The unit has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment process in a specialized service center, which eliminates common factory defects that manifest as excessive noise and premature wear of rolling components.
The primary task of the gearbox is to transfer torque from the electric motor to the drive shafts while maintaining an optimal gear ratio. Thanks to the use of upgraded components, such as renowned SKF bearings and a magnetic drain plug, the product offers higher operating refinement and a significantly longer lifespan compared to factory-installed units.
Key Features:
- ✔ Refurbished gearbox for Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV 44500-18EA0
- ✔ Complete replacement of 6 bearings (4 SKF ball bearings, 2 SKF tapered bearings)
- ✔ Replacement of all 3 oil seals (2x OEM Hyundai axle seals, 1x Corteco input shaft seal)
- ✔ Gearbox housing thoroughly cleaned inside before assembly
- ✔ Magnetic drain plug ACTii AC6007 included to catch metal filings
- ✔ Professional refurbishment in a specialized electric motor and gearbox service center
- ✔ Solution to factory bearing defects and premature failure (wheel of fortune noise, rumbling)
- ✔ Courier delivery possible on a pallet or in a securely protected package
Improvements over the original
The refurbishment process utilizes high-quality SKF bearings, which eliminate the issue of the race rotating within the aluminum seat. Additionally, the included magnetic drain plug with a neodymium magnet (ACTii AC6007) actively captures metal particles, preventing the formation of "abrasive paste" in the oil, which was the main cause of original component failure.
2 Technical Specification
| Device Type | Complete gearbox / reducer for electric vehicle |
| Condition | After professional refurbishment, fully functional |
| Purpose | Front-wheel drive BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) |
| OE/OEM Part Numbers | 44500-18EA0, 4450018EA0, 44500-18EA1, 4450018EA1 |
| Compatible Models | Hyundai Kona Electric (2019-2023), Kia Niro EV (2019-2022) |
| Bearings Used | 6 units (4x SKF ball, 2x SKF tapered) |
| Oil Seals | 2x OEM Hyundai/Kia (axles), 1x Corteco (input shaft) |
| Filtration System | Magnetic drain plug ACTii AC6007 (neodymium magnet) |
| Weight | 40 kg |
| Dimensions (DxWxH) | 400 x 400 x 400 mm |
| EAN / SKU | 6931240036310 / 363194160 |
3 Fault Analysis and Refurbishment Scope
Typical symptoms of original gearbox failure:
- Cyclical noise: A characteristic "wheel of fortune" sound that increases with rotational speed.
- Rumbling: Low-frequency vibrations and noise coming from the front axle area.
- Early failure: Problems frequently occurring at low mileage (below 50,000–80,000 km).
Causes of factory failure:
The main cause is a design flaw in the housing of one of the ball bearings, which leads to it rotating in the aluminum casing. This process generates metal filings that circulate in the oil, acting like an abrasive paste and destroying the remaining bearings and seals.
Refurbishment process:
- Disassembly of the unit and thorough verification of the technical condition of all internal components.
- Pressure and chemical cleaning of the interior housing to remove all filings and old oil.
- Installation of a new set of 6 premium-grade SKF brand bearings.
- Installation of new seals (OEM and Corteco) ensuring full system tightness.
- Checking alignment accuracy and verifying mechanism operation after assembly.
4 Operating Recommendations and Installation
Installation:
Gearbox installation should be performed at a specialized workshop servicing electric vehicles. Special attention should be paid to:
- Proper seating of the axle shafts into new seals (avoid damaging the sealing lip).
- Using the correct tightening torque for mounting bolts according to the vehicle's service documentation.
- Filling the gearbox with fresh oil according to the specification recommended by the manufacturer (Hyundai/Kia).
Maintenance:
- Oil check: Regularly check the level and condition of the gear oil.
- Magnetic plug: Clean the drain plug magnet of accumulated metal deposits at every oil change.
- Change frequency: The first oil change is recommended after approximately 5,000–10,000 km from installing the refurbished gearbox, and then in accordance with the service intervals for severe operating conditions.
5 Safety and Compliance
Important safety instructions
- High voltage: Work on the electric vehicle drive system may only be performed by personnel authorized (e.g., SEP qualified or equivalent) to work with high-voltage installations.
- Device weight: The gearbox weighs approximately 40 kg. During installation and removal, use appropriate workshop jacks to prevent personal injury or damage to the housing.
- Fire hazard: Oil leaks onto the brake system components can lead to loss of braking power or fire. After installation, verify the tightness of all connections.
- Compliance: The product carries the CE declaration and meets safety standards required in the European Union market.