This paper utilizes cross recurrence quantification analysis (CRQA) as a quantitative tool for gear damage severity assessment, and proposes a new approach to simplify the procedure of embedding parameters selection. In principle, the CRQA derives quantitative measures from the cross recurrence plot (CRP) between two different systems to quantitatively describe their dependencies. In the present study, five measures are investigated as quantitative indicators for crack severity assessment of wheel gears. By analyzing experimental data acquired from the gear test system with different levels crack sizes, simplification method for parameters selection narrows down the time cost and provides the possibility of online monitoring. Based on results, several CRQA variables are found to be suited for evaluating the crack severity level.