A lightweight and low noise gear assembly includes a gear assembly that includes a hub, at least one disc, and a ring gear component, wherein two or more of the hub, the at least one disc and the ring gear component are welded together. A lightweight and low noise gear assembly includes a shaft assembly that includes a ring gear, and at least one disc joined with the ring gear. A method of forming a gear assembly, the gear assembly including a hub, at least one disc, and a ring gear component, the method including press-fitting the at least one disc onto the hub and the ring gear, and welding the at least one disc and the ring gear to the hub.