ZF8HP70 Heavy Duty "E" Clutch Hub 38 Spline

Vehicles with ZF8HP70 transmissions utilize an "E" hub that is made from weak, cast A380 aluminum. This material is no match for the high torque generated in these applications. The lock splines of the hub are prone to shearing or breaking, resulting in failsafe, ratio codes, and loss of movement. In addition, the steel clutch plates dig into the splines on the drum, causing the plates to hang up and burn. This can happen in as few as 20,000 miles.

Sonnax heavy-duty "E" clutch hub 35572-38T is crafted from forged 4000-series aluminum, the same material used for high-performance engine pistons. The Sonnax billet hub features a far superior yield strength versus the OE hub, so you can rest easy knowing it will stand the test of time — no more worrying about comebacks due to a failed OE hub.

Challenges with OE "E" Clutch Hub in ZF8HP70 Transmissions:

1. Material Deficiency of OE Hub:

   • The original equipment (OE) "E" hub is manufactured from cast A380 aluminum, a material known for its lightweight and cost-effectiveness but with inherent weaknesses in high-stress environments.
   • A380 aluminum has a relatively low yield strength and tensile strength, making it unsuitable for the high-torque demands of ZF8HP70 transmissions. This often leads to deformation or catastrophic failure under stress.

2. Failure Points in High-Torque Applications:

   • Shearing of Lock Splines: Under high torque, the splines of the cast aluminum hub are prone to shearing. This results in immediate transmission failure modes, including failsafe conditions, ratio errors, and a complete loss of movement.
   • Clutch Plate Interaction: The steel clutch plates wear into the soft aluminum splines over time, causing notching. This interaction leads to plate hang-up and subsequent clutch burning, sometimes occurring in as little as 20,000 miles.

Advanced Solution: Sonnax Heavy-Duty "E" Clutch Hub (35572-38T):

1. Superior Material Composition:

   • The Sonnax "E" clutch hub is engineered from forged 4000-series aluminum alloy, which is significantly stronger and more durable than A380 cast aluminum.
   • 4000-series aluminum is renowned for its high yield strength and fatigue resistance. These properties are similar to those of high-performance engine pistons, designed to withstand extreme pressures and temperatures without compromising structural integrity.

2. Enhanced Engineering Design:

   • Forged vs. Cast: The forging process aligns the grain structure of the aluminum, enhancing its strength and toughness. This results in a billet hub that can withstand higher stress loads without risk of cracking or spline shearing.
   • Improved Durability: The forged construction also offers superior resistance to wear and tear from steel clutch plates, preventing spline degradation and ensuring smooth clutch engagement and disengagement.

3. Performance and Reliability Benefits:

   • Elimination of Spline Failure: The high-strength, forged design significantly reduces the risk of spline shearing, effectively eliminating one of the most common failure points in the transmission.
   • Long-Term Durability: With a dramatically improved material strength profile, the Sonnax hub increases the durability of the "E" clutch assembly, reducing maintenance costs and minimizing vehicle downtime.
   • Peace of Mind for High-Torque Applications: With the Sonnax upgrade, customers can have confidence in their vehicle’s performance and longevity, especially in high-demand environments.

Conclusion: Invest in Reliability and Performance with Sonnax

Upgrade to the Sonnax heavy-duty "E" clutch hub for superior performance, enhanced durability, and the peace of mind that comes with using a product designed to outperform and outlast the original equipment. No more costly comebacks or repairs due to hub failure—just reliable, long-lasting performance.