IMHO, it was the bearing that failed
After reviewing the CTSB report it is apparent that the T/R output pinion tapered roller bearing shoulder failed as they can do in a lube starvation situation which allowed the pinion to back out of mesh. Thus neither the Questek C series steels nor nitrided steels (also hardened at higher than 400°F) would have helped here.
Last edited by NoBiggie; 10th Jul 2011 at 02:01.