A traditional GL-4 gear oil of any given viscosity has about ½ the level of phosphorous additive found in GL-5, so the connection surface tension is not so strong, and, therefore, under the condition of active loads, over a certain time, removal of brass (wear of spare parts of the box) may occur. This means that GL-4 provides slightly less protection against ultra-high pressure. Therefore, for high speed hypoid gears API GL-4 is not quite suitable.
If you use GL-5 oil in a gearbox that requires GL-4, you will also experience premature wear synchronizers and gears. This is due to the deposition of copper present in the GL-5 oil. In the latter there is 4 times more of it than in oil of API GL-4 standard.
What to do if you can't find GL-4?
Everything is very simple! GL-4 80W-90 will be an excellent replacement for gear oil SAE oil 50, which meets the CAT TO-4 specification. Interchangeability takes place here, since the operating temperatures are very similar, and, in the case of SAE 50, the copper level does not exceed the mark indicated on the GL-4 80W-90 packaging.
What is the difference between gl 4 and gl 5?
TO fundamental differences, which still have some significance, both for the car and the buyer, include:
- Gearbox operating ranges. API GL-4 is acceptable for use on passenger cars with “stock” boxes that are not subject to high loads.
- Different viscosity. GL-4 has a lower viscosity, both on a heated box and not.
- Anti-seize properties. In relation to the above boxes, it is a worthy option, as it has a balanced amount of copper and iron impurities. GL-5 contains significantly more copper, which will certainly harm the box in a low load range.
- Price. This parameter in terms of difference transmission oils only affects the buyer/owner of the vehicle.
Which oil to choose when changing car configuration?
What to do if you bet more powerful engine into the car or HP has increased dramatically? A rational solution would be to use GL-4 synthetic oil. This also plays a role price category. How do you know that the oil has been chosen correctly and its further use will not damage the box? Here everything should be left to chance or the feeling of “stubbornness” of the box. If this is the case, then you need to replace the selected one with GL-5. The drained oil sample should be submitted for analysis, and the new one filled should be analyzed over a similar period of time.
If the sample shows excess iron, then GL-4 is definitely not suitable. Gear oil GL-5, thanks to more high viscosity, creates an improved protective film, but at the same time the amount of copper impurity in the total amount of oil increases. So to speak: it’s a double-edged sword.
If the only solution to protect the box from premature wear is the use of GL-5 oil, then a filter with a magnet will be a compensatory measure that will somewhat correct / reduce the amount of copper impurities that fall out.
Such a replacement of the unit entails additional costs, both in terms of re-equipment and traditional gear oils. The specifics of the conversion involve replacing both synchronizers and gear wheels. If synchronizers can still be classified as Supplies, then the latter should be saved, and, in fact, use GL-5. It will be especially useful in cases where the car’s power increases. at 100 hp and more.
The main difference and rationality of purchase
Whatever one may say, the main difference between such oils is operating gear range. For example, API GL-4 is used under conditions of varying severity, and GL-5 is relevant for high-speed hypoid gears and drive axles, which, in turn, operate at fairly high temperature conditions alternating with short-term shock loads.
Creating and maintaining extreme pressure properties is very important for any unit that may use any of the above synthetic oils. Choosing the right one by no means ends with purchase and use upper class, even the same API GL-5.
A good example
As clear example you can take the popular one and affordable car"Lanos". Pouring into his box too expensive oil It seems absurd, and, as practice shows, it is irrational. Based on the principle of its operation, the box is classified as a medium load. Some will say that it is better to fill it with GL-5 and forget about it. As mentioned above, this oil has high extreme pressure properties due to the increased concentration of copper impurities. It is copper, of course, in excessive quantities, that will damage synchronizers and other moving elements in just half a year. As a result, the potential owner will receive a damaged box and headache as an additional expense item.
API GL-4, for the same Lanos, will cost a little more, since the frequency of scheduled oil changes differs greatly from the above, but will eliminate the possibility of premature wear of the gearbox elements.
Note! Used oil, whether it is GL-4 or GL-5, cannot be reused in any component of the vehicle.
Transfer cases and drive axles are called transmissions. Transmission and motor oils have similar classifications. For TM, the main properties are: viscosity characteristics, operational and anti-corrosion properties, as well as lubricity and thermal-oxidative ability.
75W-90 Transmission Oil Review
Transmission oil, just like motor oil, has its own, which you also need to be able to correctly decipher. On the oil label present SAE classification And API, some have ZF classifier or MIL specification, and may also be approvals of individual car manufacturers.
All modern gear oils must comply with the classification according to international standard SAE J306. 75w90 is the most commonly used viscosity grade among transmission fluids.
Viscosity characteristics 75w and 90
According to SAE, TMs are divided into types and, accordingly, their purpose depending on viscosity. Since we will be talking about 75W-90 gear oil, we will first of all look at its characteristics.
75W – this indicator known as “winter”, shows the degree of fluidity at low temperatures. The lower the value in front of the letter “w”, the more fluid the transmission is in the cold. For this type of oil, the threshold should be at -40 °C.
The second indicator of the viscosity range is 90 , also called “summer”, indicates the maximum tolerated positive temperature of the outside air at a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius. The parameter itself also does not reflect the true value, you just need to know that according to reference data, this threshold will be up to +35 °C.
It would seem why exactly 75W90 oil is the most suitable for our latitudes, why not create a universal one with an even wider temperature spectrum? But it's not that simple. Protection against friction between gear surfaces directly depends on the lubricity of the gear oil. Although this indicator significantly improves with increasing viscosity, the law of resistance comes into force, and transmission power losses increase due to the waste of energy squeezing it out from under the gear teeth. Also, viscous oil thickens very much in the cold. Less viscous, with sub-zero temperatures, feels good, but has a less durable protective film and worse lubricating properties. To balance these two indicators, special packages additives
In the zone of moderate temperatures, it is better to focus on the viscosity class “90”, but “140”, that is, TM, the viscosity of which at 100°C is not lower than 24 mm2/s, may be preferable for a hot southern climate or heavy loads with high speeds.
Transmission fluid must perform the following functions:
- exclude friction, jamming, scuffing, pitting (deep metal corrosion) and other damage;
- reduce energy loss and increase efficiency;
- remove heat from friction surfaces;
- reduce noise and vibration during gear operation.
Therefore, TM 75W90 from different manufacturers, of course, is somewhat different in its properties, and, naturally, in its price tag. In addition, 75W90 gear oil is often synthetic, although in some cases, a number of manufacturers may indicate it on the label as semi-synthetic. But in fact, it differs from synthetics only in the content of synthetic substances of 20% - 40% and the amount of additive from 2 to 15%.
In addition to the fact that these fluids are classified according to the SAE system, there is a division of transmission oils according to API system with the index “GL” (in the Russian version - the index “TM”).
Performance properties of TM
API classification shows comprehensive assessment transmissions depending on their performance properties and is divided into six categories. Categories are marked with an index, which makes it possible to understand the scope and level of quality of the product. Today, in passenger car transmissions, only two groups of fluids are used – GL-4 and GL-5 (TM-4, TM-5 according to the domestic classification).
GL-4(or TM-4) - designed for medium-loaded gears. Used in manual transmissions and mechanisms with spiral bevel gears. The operation of such oils can be carried out in transmissions hypoid type at significant speeds, but small or moderate torques.
GL-5(or TM-5) – used for heavily loaded gears. Operation of oil with this standard is carried out in hypoid gears at low torques in combination with high speeds, subject to short-term shock loads. This oil contains a large amount of sulfur-phosphorus containing extreme pressure additive.
Also a very common oil is 75W90 marked - GL-4/5, the presence of two indices indicates use under different load conditions and different types of mechanisms.
MIL specification
In addition to API classification, it is often used American MIL specification. For 75W90 it is MIL-L 2105 A, B or C. Confirms compliance with technical specifications all-season gear oils, analogue of API GL-4 or GL-5.
ZF transmission oil quality classifier
Also on the canister of 75W-90 oil you can see Z classifier, - This classification system for all types of vehicle transmissions. The designation is made by letters and numbers from ZF TE-ML 01 to ZF TE-ML 14.
What is the difference between GL-4 and GL-5 75W-90 oils?
As already mentioned just above, the purpose of TM oils GL-4(according to GOST 17479.2–85) - for use in transmissions with bevel and hypoid gears, operating at contact stresses up to 3000 MPa and oil temperatures up to 150 °C. By and large, these are gearboxes of front-wheel drive cars. API GL-5 - provides reliable operation hypoid transmission operating with shock loads at stresses above 3000 MPa. Used in gearboxes with hypoid bevel gears and for final drive with cardan drive in drive axles (with limited slip differential LSD). This transmission fluid provides better protection under conditions of high loads and pressures.
Mistakes when choosing TM 75W90 and the difference between GL 4 and GL 5.
Key Feature is that 75W90 API GL-4 oils contain half the amount of sulfur-phosphorus additives than in similar ones, only a higher class. Such additives create special protective covering on parts, preventing wear, but this substance is even stronger than the surface of parts made of copper or other soft alloys. Therefore, using TMs for purposes other than their intended purpose threatens to wear out the surface of an element made of soft metal. So, in those gearboxes where it is necessary to use 75W90 GL-4, but GL-5 is filled in, there is a rapid appearance of copper shavings, because synchronizers are made of copper, and the sulfur-phosphorus additive kills them.
The transition from GL-4 to GL-5 and back is unacceptable: this different oils with different properties and purposes.
Rating of the best gear oils with viscosity 75W90
- Viscosity. The oil must maintain optimal viscosity both at low temperatures and maintain its astringent properties at high temperatures;
- Temperature characteristics. Each liquid has its own pour point and ignition temperature, TM should have the largest gap between these indicators; . The higher this number, the better the product;
- Bully index. Unfortunately, there are no standards for this index, but the higher this value, the better the TM; . According to GOST, this value should be no lower than 3,000 H;
- Wear rate. This criterion is determined only for GL-5 class oil; it should be less than 0.4 mm.
The TOP of the best transmission oils does not take into account their cost, but is given based on reviews and comparative tests.
In many respects, gear oil Motul Gear 300 75W90 takes first place among all tested. This transmission has the most high performance protection against scuffing (index is 60.1), welding, oil film stability without loss of engine power, average wear rate (0.75 mm). Although viscosity characteristics(especially at sub-zero temperatures) it can’t boast.
Temperature test of transmission oils 75W90
Second and third places are occupied by transmission fluids from Castrol (Syntrans) and Mobil (Mobilube). Oil Castrol Syntrans Transaxle 75W-90 GL-4 is used in gearboxes, in transfer cases and driving axles. It has good low-temperature fluidity, but compared to Mobile, the scuff index is quite high for a liquid of this class, but the wear level is even better than Motul (59.4).
TM Mobil Mobilube can be placed in third place, since it has good test results for the level of protection and wear when high loads, therefore ensuring low friction losses at operating temperatures. But, unfortunately, it has an insufficient viscosity index at sub-zero temperatures.
The fourth result when testing transmission oil showed oil Total Transmission SYN FE 75W-90. Reviews about this fluid are also good, although since it is universal - it has API GL-4/GL-5, it will not be suitable for all gearboxes. This TM has a scuff level of 58.8, which is even better than the leader in the rating of gear oils 75W90. But it cannot boast of wear levels and good viscosity in low-temperature tests.
Semi-synthetic gear oil LIQUI MOLY Hypoid-Getriebeoil TDL 75W-90 GL-4/5 also performs well in tests, especially standing out when tested at minus 40; its fluidity at such a low temperature will allow the gearbox and gearboxes to operate without problems. At the same time, others important indicators on the Middle level.
Synthetic oil ZIC G-F TOP We do not include 75W-90 in this rating because there is very little data on its wear and scuffing performance, although the temperature test passes excellently. This gear oil can be used in manual transmissions (including synchronized transmissions) and drive axles. According to reviews from car owners, it significantly reduces transmission noise, withstands extreme loads and has virtually no drawbacks.
It is also impossible not to pay attention to Transyn 75W-90 API GL 3/4/5 oil from the manufacturer Eurol, since, looking at the lack of real temperature tests and very high level wear - 0.94, has a good level of scuffing - 58.5 and is very popular among car enthusiasts.
As you can see, the range of 75W90 gear oils on the market is quite large and there is always something to choose for your needs and affordable price. But remember that you need to select not because your neighbor advised, but based on the needs of your car’s transmission and the characteristics of the transmission fluid itself.
The difference mainly comes down to additive formulation, with GL-4 oils typically containing 3 to 4% EP sulfur-phosphorus additives and GL-5 oils typically containing 4.5 to 6.5%.
In view of this, GL-5 is recommended for more heavily loaded gears (for example, hypoid), and also as a universal one for most mechanical transmissions that do not have non-ferrous alloy synchronizers in their design. This is due to the fact that the extreme pressure additive package contains sulfur-phosphorus elements, which can cause corrosion of parts made of non-ferrous alloys.
Thus, typically GL-4 is used for synchronized gearboxes, and GL-5 oil is used for axles and gearboxes. For front-wheel drive vehicles, because the fight against corrosion of synchronizers can be at odds with the protection of the main gears, because they are located in the same block.
Gear synchronization occurs by pressing the locking synchronizer against the cone gear wheel- the oil film is squeezed out and the rotation speeds are compared. The problem is that in this case the lubrication becomes semi-dry and the problem is not corrosion, but wear, so each transmission manufacturer adheres to its own recommendations.
Many owners prefer to sacrifice possible corrosion of synchronizers in favor of greater extreme pressure properties (especially in the case of high loads), i.e. choose the GL-5 specification, although the manufacturer prescribed GL-4. On this moment Texaco has a range of synthetic oils with double API specification GL-4/GL-5, being low-viscosity, they provide good lubrication hypoid transmission and are non-aggressive to non-ferrous metals, as a result, can be used in cases of both specifications.
Why replace something that lasts a lifetime? Optimism goes away when you discover a mountain of dead mechanical and automatic boxes, taken from cars of one very well-known company. Which? Well, it doesn’t matter... The important thing is that boxes have now become almost disposable! They try not to repair them, but to replace them entirely - how much would such a replacement cost without a warranty, can you estimate? Therefore, the box must be cared for and cherished and be sure to be pampered with good oil. Best fully synthetic, viscosity grade 75W-90, grade API quality GL-4 - this is perfect for manual transmissions.
It's a pity, domestic transmission synthetics not visible on the shelves. Only imports are mainly European, mainly German. Instead of GL-4, manufacturers prefer to indicate GL-4+, GL-4/5, and GL-3/4/5. So we bought a dozen of them. The price ranges from an affordable 345 rubles for a liter can of Dutch NGN to 775 rubles for a French Motul Gear 300. Is it worth paying so much? That's why we arranged an examination.
WHAT DO WE CHECK?
In general, the oil in the box is easier to work with than in the engine. But there are a lot of problems: it is necessary to simultaneously form a thin film and ensure lubrication of the gears. Must be serious protection from scuffing and wear. Therefore, viscosity, composition, and a set of additives are important in the characteristics of the transmission.
WHY DID YOU CHECK?
And here is what it all started for. We officially declare: the oils are very different and clearly not from the same barrel. The difference in results for individual parameters is not by percentages, but by several times! And the effect does not always correspond to the price. The leader was immediately revealed - the ester Motul Gear 300 has the best performance in terms of welding load, scuffing index, and critical load. The wear is a little worse, but here it’s generally interesting: none of the tested oils did not meet the GOST requirements for the TM-5 group. Why is that? Perhaps this is a consequence of a decrease in the content of sulfur and phosphorus in modern products, which previously determined high anti-wear properties. But the result obtained cannot be considered negative either: we choose oil for manual transmissions of the GL-4 group, where anti-wear indicators are not standardized at all by GOST.
And here is another nuance that was worth working for. It turned out that anti-wear and extreme pressure properties change in antiphase! At the level of intuition this is understandable. The basic principle of wear protection is to place something soft and sliding between the parts. To increase scuff resistance, the opposite is required. Therefore, an effective additive package must provide some compromise between two mutually exclusive factors.
Well, what's better? Our advice on the topic “What to choose?” - below. We have arranged the files of all participants in alphabetical order. But I have only one wish: do not dismiss “boxed” oils.
Until the box brushes you off.
The results differ from each other not by percentages, but by several times!
WHAT, HOW AND WHY WE MEASURED
Tribological parameters. Characterize the protective properties of oil during contact in gears. They are determined in accordance with GOST 9490–75 on a four-ball friction machine: three stationary steel balls at the bottom, one spins at a given speed at the top and a load presses on it. The structure is immersed in an oil bath in which the test oil splashes. And then the behavior of the balls and contact patches tells everything. For different types transmission oils, it is standardized by our GOST 17479.2–85 - there are generally accepted ways of interpreting the results of such tests. Certainly, foreign manufacturers We are not required to follow GOST, but we live in Russia, and therefore we can use the standards of this document to assess the quality of the oil.
This is the threshold for destruction of the oil film. GOST does not standardize its value, so let’s think simply: the higher it is, the better.Scuffing and wear. The main troubles of gearing. They are characterized by a scuff index and a wear index. The index is not standardized - in general, the higher the better. The wear rate for GL-4 oils (TM-4 in our GOST) is not standardized, but for TM-5 (or GL-5 in our non-our language) it should be no more than 0.4 mm. In general, the less the better.
The main parameter by which extreme pressure properties are standardized. It is defined simply: the balls are loaded and loaded until the friction machine stops. For TM-4 oils, the welding load must be at least 3000 N, for TM-5 - 3280 N. Let's take these numbers as an evaluation criterion.Viscosity. At operating temperatures, we evaluate the kinematic viscosity, and at low temperatures, the dynamic viscosity. By kinematic viscosity at 40 and 100 °C we calculate the viscosity index, which characterizes the degree of dependence of viscosity on temperature. The range of change in this viscosity at 100 °C for the 75W‑90 class is quite wide - from 13.5 to 24 cSt. The higher the viscosity at operating temperature, the, generally speaking, the heavier the motor. The lower the dynamic viscosity at negative temperatures, the faster the box will warm up and the better the car will drive.
Pour point. Everything is simple here: the lower, the better.
Flash point. Together with the pour point, it characterizes stability and quality to a certain extent. base oil. The higher it is, the usually better base, - which means we can expect that the resource of such oil will be large.
QUESTION ANSWER
Are these types of oils suitable for automatic transmissions?
No good. Designed for automatic transmissions special liquids with other properties. Here it is very important to follow the recommendations of the manufacturer, because ATF fluid ensures the operation of the torque converter, which requires strictly specified viscosity-temperature characteristics. And for manual transmissions these requirements are much more relaxed.
What is the difference between GL-4 and GL-5 oils? Or, in our opinion, TM-4 from TM-5?
According to GOST 17479.2–85, the purpose of TM-4 group oils is cylindrical, spiral-bevel and hypoid gears operating at contact stresses up to 3000 MPa and oil temperature in the volume up to 150 °C. And the recipients of TM-5 oils are hypoid gears operating with shock loads at contact stresses above 3000 MPa and bulk oil temperatures up to 150 °C. Hence the differences in the required protective properties discussed in the article. Therefore, in particular, switching from GL-4 to GL-5 and back is unacceptable: these are different oils with different properties.
Will using a more viscous oil reduce the noise of the gearbox?
Yes, it will reduce it if the noise is caused by increased gaps in the box components. But within reasonable limits, of course. With a high degree of wear, even the most viscous oil will not help.
Should I chase synthetics? Or is the situation the same as with motor oil?
Synthetics are more stable and therefore guarantee greater resource. In addition, it has a higher viscosity index, so the low-temperature properties of such oils are better. So there is a certain analogy with motor oils.
Why are there such large numbers in the SAE designations if the weather outside is the same as for the engine?
The numbers indicate the average viscosity range for the oil grade in Saybolt Second Universal Unit (SSU). For transmissions they are taken directly, for motors they are divided in half.
All tables open in full size at the click of a mouse.
Question about mixing - is it possible or not?
It depends on what you mix. Oils of the same SAE and API groups can theoretically be mixed, but in practice we do not recommend it.
Is flushing necessary when changing the oil?
If it was originally flooded good synthetics, then it is not needed.
Is it possible to pour GL-5 into a manual box?
GL-5 oil is intended for heavily loaded high-speed hypoid gears. Its enhanced extreme pressure and anti-wear functions are provided by an increased concentration of additives based on sulfur and phosphorus, which are aggressive towards non-ferrous metals. But in practice, transmission elements are individual, and therefore, in certain cases, the automaker may allow the use of one type of oil in all transmission components.
OIL IN A MANUAL TRANSMISSION: WHICH IS BETTER TO CHOOSE?
Nomination "Extreme"
The winner in this category guarantees protection of the box under maximum loads.
Gold from Motul Gear 300.
Nomination "Wear protection"
Gold from BP Energear And JB .
They took the silver ADDINOL,NGN And SRS .
Nomination "Energy Saving"
Guarantees the best efficiency. For the thrifty, in general.
Winners - Motul Gear 300 And Liqui Moly .
Silver Mobil Mobilube And ADDINOL .
Nomination "Fast warm-up"
These oils are better than others in overcoming the cold numbness after a night of hibernation.
Oil turned out to be the best SRS .
They took the silver BP Energear And Shell Spirax .
Nomination "Price/Quality"
Everything is clear from the name.
The winner is clear: NGN .
The Grand Prix
If we talk about maximum protection (even for boxes sports cars), then it’s difficult to compete with ester oil.
Winner - Motul Gear 300 .
Silver Castrol Syntrax, Mobil Mobilube, Eurol Transyn .
The anti-wear and extreme pressure properties of oils appear in antiphase.
REPRESENTATIVES
ADDINOL Gear Oil GH 75W-90
Germany
Price 1 l - 420 rub.
SAE 75W-90, API GL-4/GL-5
Approvals: MIL-L-2105D, VW 501 50
There is not a word in Russian on the label! One of the serious advantages is one of the highest levels of wear protection. But here there is a fly in the ointment - modest results in terms of the scuffing index and welding load. And low-temperature properties are not the best.
Reasonable price.
Relatively low protective properties against scuffing.
BP Energear SGX 75W-90 Winner in the category "Wear protection"
Belgium
Price 1 l - 470 rub.
SAE 75W-90, API GL-4+
Approval: Suitable for VW 501 50
The wear protection is the best, and the scuff protection is worse than most. In terms of wear, it comes very close to the very strict GOST requirements for oils of a higher group - TM-5. Good low temperature properties and the most heat flashes.
The best wear protection, affordable price.
Low values of the scuffing index.
Castrol Syntrax Universal Plus
Germany
Price 1 l - 550 rub.
Approvals: MAN 3343S, 341E3; Scania STO 1:0; MB-Approval 235.8; ZF TE-ML 02B, 05B, 12B, 16F, 17B, 19C, 21B; SAE J2360
One of best performance Welding protection is combined with satisfactory wear protection. Very low temperature hardening - with the lowest viscosity index. At the same time, the highest flash point promises a long service life.
+ High weld load provides long-lasting protection against scuffing; low pour point.
- Low viscosity index.
Eurol Lubricants Transyn Synthetic
Netherlands
Price 1 l - 420 rub.
SAE 75W-90, API GL-3/4/5 & MT-1
Approvals: Meets ZF TE-ML 01, 02, 05, 07, 08, Volvo 97310, Scania STO 1:0 BOX; MAN 341 TL/341 Type Z-3; MAN 342 SL/342 Type S-1; MAN 3343 S/SL; MIL-L-2105 B/C/D; MIL-PRF-2105E; DAF ZF TE-ML 02 BOX.
Again, not a single Russian word on the can! But in the “not our” language, on the one hand, it is written in large letters that it is synthetic, and on the other, in much smaller print, it is semi-synthetic... What to believe? After the tests, we believe the second one more.
High welding load, even according to our strict GOST it passes as TM-5.
Worst wear indicator.
JB GERMAN OIL Hypoid Getriebeoel GL 4 plus Winner in the category “Wear protection”
Germany
Price 1 l - 520 rub.
SAE 75W-90, API GL-4/GL-5 & MT-1
Approvals: MAN 3343 Type S; Scania STO 1:0; ARVIN MERITOR 0-79-N; SAE J2360; MIL-PRF-2105E; ZF TE-ML 02B, 05B, 07A, 12B, 16F, 17B, 19C DAF IVECO
One of the leaders in the number of approvals from automakers, but it’s not clear from the description - “approved” or “complies”? Wear protection is excellent, and the scuff index is weak. Low temperature characteristics are on par. And at the same time the highest viscosity at operating temperatures!
Good wear protection and low temperature properties.
The worst badass index in the review.
Liqui Moly "High Performance Gear Oil" Winner in the category "Energy Saving"
Germany
Price 1 l - 620 rub.
SAE 75W-90, API GL-4 + (GL-4/GL-5)
Approvals: Ford ESD M2C 175-A; VW Norm 50150 (G50); ZF TE-ML 08
Very expensive, but overall an outstanding oil. Tribological parameters are average, low-temperature properties are good, but not the best, and the viscosity index is also relatively low. And what is the claimed “high performance”?
Convenient bottle with built-in grease nipple, good low-temperature properties.
Expensive for average parameters.
Mobil Mobilube 1 SHC Fully Synthetic Supreme Performance Gear Oil
Sweden
Price 1 liter - 750 rub.
SAE 75W-90, API GL-5/MT-1
Approvals: Approved MB - Approval 235.8, MAN M 3343 Type S; MAN 341 E3; ZF TE-ML 02B/05B/12B/16F/17B/19C/21B; JSC AVTODISEL YaMZ Gearbox. Meets Scania STO 1:0; ZF TE-ML 07A
Very decent results in terms of transmission protection under high loads. But at the same time, the lowest viscosity index predetermines weak low-temperature properties. At the same time, viscosity at operating temperatures suggests relatively low friction losses in the transmission.
Good protective properties.
Very expensive! And the viscosity index is strangely low for synthetics.
Motul Gear 300 100% synthese Winner in the nomination “Extreme” “Energy Saving” Grand Prix
France
Price 1 l - 775 rub.
SAE 75W-90, API GL-4/GL-5, MIL-L-2105D
Ester-based oil immediately stands out from the rest. It has the highest indicators for protection against scuffing and welding, and for oil film resistance. At the same time, operating viscosities do not steal extra “horses” from under the hood. By all indications - the leader of the test.
Best tribological performance for critical load and scuffing protection.
NGN Synthetic Transmission Oil Winner in the “Price/Quality” category
Netherlands
Price 1 l - 345 rub.
SAE 75W-90, API GL-3/4/5, MT-1
Tolerances: answers MAN requirements 341/342/3343; Scania STO 1:0 BOX; MIL-L-2105 B/C/D-PRF 2105E; Volvo 97310; DAF ZF TE-ML 02; ZF-TE-ML 01/02B/05B/07A/08A
The oil with a name that is not very well known among us turned out to be the most inexpensive, but quite worthy. In terms of basic parameters, it is in no way inferior to more eminent ones, and in some ways even surpasses them. Therefore, it receives first place in the “Price/Quality” nomination.
Low freezing point and a sufficient level of basic physical and chemical indicators combined with an affordable price.
High viscosity at operating temperatures.
Shell Spirax Axle Oil S5 ATE
Switzerland
Price 1 l - 480 rub.
SAE 75W-90, API GL-4/5
Approvals: Approved Ferrari, Porsche
Declared for extremely loaded transmissions, however, the tribological performance in all respects is not outstanding. But good low-temperature properties and viscosity at operating temperatures correspond to the stated purpose.
Good protection against scuffing, relatively affordable price.
High viscosity at operating temperatures increases friction losses.
SRS Schmierstoffe Getriebefluid 5 L Winner in the category "Fast warm-up"
Germany
Price 1 l - 490 rub.
SAE 75W-90, API GL-4 Plus
An oil unlike any other. Bright green in color, and its composition is clearly different. The highest viscosity index determines the leadership in low temperature properties. But the viscosity at high temperatures is also high - expect friction losses. Good wear protection.
Low values dynamic viscosity at low temperatures, good wear indicator.
High viscosity at high temperatures, not the highest extreme pressure properties.
Total Transmission Syn FE
France
Price 1 l - 550 rub.
SAE 75W-90, API GL-4, GL-5, MT-1
Approvals: Approved MAN 3343 Type S; Scania STO 1:0; ZF TE-ML 02B, 05B, 07A, 12B, 16F, 17B, 19C; SAE J2360; MB-Approval 235.8; MACK GO-J
High viscosity at low temperatures will lengthen the warm-up of the box in the cold. At the same time, the working viscosity is decent, which will increase friction losses, but will protect the bearings. Significant advantages are low freezing point and high flash point.
Good tribological parameters.
Far from the best viscosity index.
Very often car owners are faced with the question of whether there is any difference between the two transmission fluids GL-4 and GL-5. Each of these oils has a specific purpose. So GL-4 is mainly used for gearboxes with hypoid or bevel gears. This lubricant is suitable for differential mechanisms of drive axles that experience light loads. They usually operate at low speeds. GL-5 is used in gearboxes that operate in particularly extreme conditions, and very high temperatures.
The main difference between these gear oils is the presence of an extreme pressure additive. In GL-4 such additives with high content sulfur contains only 4%. In GL-5 there are much more of them - 6.5%. They are more often used in gearboxes with heavily loaded gears. GL-5 is considered a universal product and can be used in any manual transmission.
Properties of additives
Due to its high concentration, the oil acquires improved extreme pressure properties. It reliably protects the box when high blood pressure and heavy load.
Additives with sulfur and phosphorus reliably protect transmission elements. A durable film covering the surface of rubbing parts protects them from premature wear. But when in contact with parts made of non-ferrous metal, the strength of such a film is much higher than the surface of a copper part or another made of a softer material.
As a result, it begins to wear out quickly protective layer, as well as the surface of the part. If GL-5 oil is poured into a box that requires GL-4, copper will begin to appear in very large quantities. As a result, copper synchronizers will begin to fail. Their rapid wear is caused by additives with a high content of phosphorus and sulfur. They are the cause of corrosion on copper components.
A large number of such additives negatively affects the performance of the metal components of the car. Professionals recommend filling synchronized gearboxes with GL-4 lubricant. For final drives, GL-5 oil is considered the ideal option.
IN front wheel drive cars synchronizers, together with the main gear, are located in a single block. In this case, the driver himself must decide what is more important to him: reliable protection synchronizers or protecting the main gear from scuffing. Typically, each transmission manufacturer recommends using a certain brand oils
In French-made cars where the manual transmission, experts advise using GL-5 oil. Some companies have a different opinion. They believe that GL-4 can also be used.
GL-4 grease contains much less sulfur. In other words, both of these products have anti-seize properties. They are aggressive towards copper. But at the same time, the manifestation of these characteristics occurs in different ways.
Right choice
In any case, you must choose gear oil taking into account the specifications specified by the car manufacturer. Some car enthusiasts take risks. They allow synchronizers to corrode and are filled with oil that has increased extreme pressure properties.
When a car has to be used in very harsh conditions, such an act becomes a necessity. It must be said that the specifications also indicate semi-automatic boxes transmission
When choosing a lubricant, it is necessary to take into account the properties of the engine. There are times when the oil level in the box drops sharply. To top up, you need to use only the brand of oil that was filled previously.
Only under special circumstances is it allowed to mix transmission lubricants of the same type. Mixing is strictly prohibited if they differ in color. These products are not compatible with each other.
