diff --git a/manimlib/mobject/coordinate_systems.py b/manimlib/mobject/coordinate_systems.py
index 288b6354..dc39561c 100644
--- a/manimlib/mobject/coordinate_systems.py
+++ b/manimlib/mobject/coordinate_systems.py
@@ -216,7 +216,7 @@ class ThreeDAxes(Axes):
         "z_max": 3.5,
         "z_normal": DOWN,
         "num_axis_pieces": 20,
-        "light_source": 9 * DOWN + 7 * LEFT + 10 * OUT,
+        "gloss": 0.5,
     }
 
     def __init__(self, **kwargs):
@@ -232,30 +232,8 @@ class ThreeDAxes(Axes):
         self.axes.add(z_axis)
         self.add(z_axis)
 
-        self.add_3d_pieces()
-        self.set_axis_shading()
-
-    def add_3d_pieces(self):
         for axis in self.axes:
-            axis.pieces = VGroup(
-                *axis.get_pieces(self.num_axis_pieces)
-            )
-            axis.add(axis.pieces)
-            axis.set_stroke(width=0, family=False)
-            axis.set_shade_in_3d(True)
-
-    def set_axis_shading(self):
-        def make_func(axis):
-            vect = self.light_source
-            return lambda: (
-                axis.get_edge_center(-vect),
-                axis.get_edge_center(vect),
-            )
-        for axis in self:
-            for submob in axis.family_members_with_points():
-                submob.get_gradient_start_and_end_points = make_func(axis)
-                submob.get_unit_normal = lambda a: np.ones(3)
-                submob.set_sheen(0.2)
+            axis.insert_n_curves(self.num_axis_pieces - 1)
 
 
 class NumberPlane(Axes):