Abstract: A gearhead with an axially-extending input shaft connected to a motor shaft. A pinion gear and bearing assembly is adapted to connect to the motor shaft. The pinion gear is rotatably and sealably mounted to a recessed mounting surface of the housing to reduce noise, prevent entry of dirt and dust and provide a floating connection. The mounting is achieved with a double-sealed bearing which is configured to float with respect to the housing so that a high tolerance connection is maintained between the pinion gear and the gearhead while accommodating motor shaft misalignment. The invention also relates to a method for mounting the motor shaft onto the gearhead by inserting the motor shaft into the input pinion gear, securing the gearhead to the motor and clamping the input pinion gear to the motor shaft.