<p>Energy transition has brought tighter requirements to high-performance gears, especially the demand for increased power density. Usually applied after grinding, isotropic superfinishing stands for a solution to reduce flank roughness and consequently the contact stresses. The objective of this study is comprehending how the residual stresses induced by the grinding process influence the superfinished surface integrity. Specimens were pointedly ground to induce distinct residual stress states in terms of maximum intensity, surface heterogeneity, and in-depth profile. They were then subjected to isotropic superfinishing in a single condition. The investigation showed that, after the isotropic superfinishing, the ground residual stress state is preserved. The results of both intensity and heterogeneity of residual stresses demonstrate that the superfinished surface is strongly influenced by the previous manufacturing stage, to which the proposed mechanism of interaction is verified.</p>