Sooner or later, all car owners have to deal with the replacement of gear oil. In general, this is not a complicated procedure and you can do it yourself. The most important thing is to choose the right liquid. Transmission oil 80w90 - is one of the most popular types of materials for manual transmissions, transfer cases and other components.

Functions of gear oils

Transmission is a set of elements whose main purpose is to transmit torque from the engine to the wheels, change traction, speed and direction of movement. This system is subject to corrosion, overheating, wear and other negative factors. Therefore, to ensure the constant performance of the transmission, special oils must be used. At the same time, the performance of the entire car depends on the quality of these fluids and their compliance with a certain type of gearbox.

Any gear oil must perform the following functions:

• To remove heat from the interacting elements of the transmission
• Prevent surface wear
• Remove wear products from friction zones
• Reduce friction losses
• Protect transmission components from corrosion
• Reduce load, noise and vibration with gear

In addition, the working fluid must have a certain set of properties:

• Anti-corrosion
• Defoamers
• extreme pressure
• Antiwear
• Compatibility with non-ferrous metals and rubber seals
• Oxidation resistance
• Low toxicity

These requirements are due to the operational features of the transmission. During operation, the oil temperature can reach up to +140...+160 °C, and in friction zones - over +200 °C.

When driving for a long time, the temperature of the working fluid remains high, so foaming can occur. As a result, the oil loses its performance and does not provide surface lubrication.

With an aggressive driving style, off-road driving, slipping, the loads acting on the gearbox are very high. Under such conditions, wear and friction increase and there is a high risk that the transmission gears will break.

Properties of gear oils according to SAE

The American Society of Engineers (Society of American Engineers) has developed an international classification of oils by viscosity - SAE. It has the SAE J306 standard, which indicates certain requirements for the viscosity of gear oils. It is based on the high and low temperature properties of the fluid, and is expressed in terms of SAE viscosity.

Gear and engine oils are different from each other, therefore, in order to eliminate any confusion when choosing a fluid, there are different markings for products with the same viscosity. Engine oils are marked from 0 to 60, transmission oils are marked from 70 to 250.

A high-quality transmission fluid has good lubricity, which determines the degree of protection of the working elements of the transmission from friction, wear and other damage. The higher the viscosity index, the higher the lubricity and strength of the oil protective film.

Low-viscosity oils perform much better at low temperatures, but have poorer lubricating properties. In addition, liquid materials are highly penetrating, so they penetrate various cracks faster and can begin to flow out of nodes. And, even despite the fact that even at the production stage, effective sealing agents are laid over time and they can allow oil to leak.

To balance all these indicators, transmission fluid manufacturers use special additive packages, depending on which the lubricant can be thickened and unthickened.

In terms of viscosity, the choice of oil should be made in accordance with the ambient temperature at which the vehicle operates. There are 3 main categories of oils depending on temperature conditions:

• Winter oils (indicated by the letter "W", for example, 80W)
• Summer oils (indicated by a two-digit number, for example 90)
• All-weather oils (double-labeled, for example 80w 90)

In addition, gear oils are classified according to operational parameters. According to API, they are designated as GL-1, GL-2, GL-3, GL-4, GL-5, GL-6. Each of the groups meets certain operating conditions in specific types of transmission.

Deciphering the marking 80W-90

Each gear oil has an SAE marking on the label. The decoding of gear oil 80W-90 is as follows.

The winter indicator of 80W indicates the low-temperature properties of the oil. It indicates the lower limit of external temperatures at which the fluid will work - up to -26 ° C. The summer value of 90 indicates the high temperature properties of the oil. It indicates the upper limit of the ambient temperature at which the liquid can be used - up to +35 °C.

Thus, 80W90 oil can be used in the temperature range from -26 °C to +35 °C.

For regions where average seasonal temperatures are kept within the indicated values, this oil is ideal. But for use in southern or northern latitudes, it is better to choose seasonal transmission fluids.

Specifications for 80W-90 oils

80W90 oil is made by various companies, and today there are more different fluids on the market. They differ in cost and technical characteristics, but the latter do not particularly affect the use of the material. The thing is that manufacturers use various additives, but in general, with respect to standards, the characteristics of oils are approximately the same:

• Viscosity grade SAE 80W90
• Density 0.9 kg/m3 at 15 °C
• Kinematic viscosity at 40 °C 137 to 144 cSt
• Viscosity index 120
• Pour point -16 °C to -30 °C
• Flash point +179 °C to +230 °C

80W-90 transmission fluid is quite popular with car owners. It performs well at low and high temperatures, as well as under increased loads.

Product examples

The range of oils with a viscosity of 80W-90 is quite extensive. Today, every car owner can choose an oil that attracts him in terms of cost and suits the characteristics. Consider the most popular products.

This is a multigrade gear oil with a multifunctional additive package. It is intended for mechanical transmissions of cars and trucks, vans, buses, various special vehicles and ships.

The fluid has excellent extreme pressure, antioxidant and viscosity-temperature properties. It is designed specifically for hypoid gears and units that operate under heavy loads and harsh conditions, as well as those recommended for the use of GL-5 oils.

The oil has high thermal-oxidative stability, good binding characteristics, high anti-corrosion and anti-foam properties, is compatible with sealing materials and prevents premature wear of transmission elements.

Multipurpose synthetic oil of the GL-4 class. It is intended for mechanical transmissions of cars, buses, trucks. Also suitable for use in the rear axles of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.

The liquid contains an effective package of antiwear additives, does not lose its properties during long-term operation in different temperature conditions, does not cause corrosion, is compatible with polymer seals, and softens shock loads and vibrations.

Transmission universal oil class GL-5. It is used in differentials, main gears and other components of commercial vehicles and cars. Approved by MAN and ZF for use in commercial vehicles, agricultural and off-highway vehicles.

It is resistant to high loads, reliably protects transmission elements that operate in difficult conditions. The oil forms a strong film on the parts, which protects them from shock loads and wear. Due to its good heat resistance, the fluid does not thicken, does not form deposits and increases the life of the entire transmission.

LUKOIL 80W-90

Mineral gear oil GL-4. It is used in manual transmissions of passenger cars, special vehicles and commercial vehicles. Can be used in transfer boxes, power take-offs.

The oil has a high level of anti-wear and extreme pressure properties, protects transmission units under high loads and various temperatures, has high anti-corrosion and anti-foam properties, and also has excellent thermal and oxidative stability.

Gear oil 80W90, the characteristics of which we will consider today, can be attributed to the average between the viscosity classes 85W90 and 75W90. Let's find out in more detail what qualitative characteristics it differs from others.

Thickened and non-thickened

There are thickened and non-thickened. The latter are sometimes also called single-brand. In the first case, additives are installed that thicken the base. Then the transmission oil is indicated by two numbers: 80W90. The characteristics of single grades are manifested in the fact that they are made without the addition of thickeners. They are designated by one number - for example, 80, 90, 140.

Viscosity and temperature conditions

When conducting a comparative analysis, the viscosity in the operating mode for the two types (samples were taken to compare the viscosity class SAE 80W90 and 85W90) turned out to be approximately the same. But when working at low temperatures, thickened species become more liquid when compared to unthickened ones. Therefore, in this indicator, they perform better. On the other hand, single-brand lubricants work more stably in the appropriate and normal temperature regime for them. And this is also a very important parameter when working, especially in harsh operating conditions.

Gear oil 80W90 and 85W90 have the same viscosity at an operating temperature of one hundred degrees. But if we take a minus mark of twenty degrees, then the difference will differ many times over.

Sometimes manufacturers themselves call all thickened types of lubricating fluids all-weather. But this is not a completely correct statement. So, the characteristics will show serviceable at minus 26 ° C, 75W90 - at minus 40 ° C, and 85W90 - only at minus 12 ° C. Thus, for residents of the southern regions, all indicators really turn out to be suitable for year-round use. But for those who live in the northern regions, the parameters 85W90, and sometimes 80W90, will be clearly insufficient.

Welding load: foreign and domestic requirements

When comparing lubricating fluids, the main indicator that is paid attention to is the welding load. It is determined on a conventional 4-ball friction machine. Since 80W90 gear oil, whose characteristics have an API classification group, belongs to the GL 5 group (and it assumes operation in heavily loaded axles and with an 85W90 viscosity class, the result according to the standard should be from 3280 N. Considered samples according to the results tests showed from 3283 to 4635 N. This indicates the presence of good quality characteristics of transmission lubricating fluids.

But in addition to this classification, there is another, domestic. According to her, the requirements are even more stringent than in the API abroad and for foreign cars. For example, according to representatives of the AvtoVAZ company, the GL 5 class should give results of at least 3483 N, and in AZLK all 3924 N is considered the norm. Therefore, if we focus on domestic manufacturers, then the test results will no longer seem so satisfactory.

Everyone's favorite Castrol

You can consider a specific non-thickened Castrol oil. All of its indicators, except for viscosity at a certain temperature, will be no worse than thickened lubricating fluids. At the same time, the wider the operating range, the more difficult it will be to compare thickeners with non-thickened ones. For example, if an 80W90 (API GL 5) gear oil exhibits good viscosity at the centigrade mark, and will both maintain load at the proper level and maintain excellent low temperature qualities, then a unthickened oil will support the load in the same way as an SAE 90 grade grease, or will have similar low temperature properties to an SAE 80 grade oil.

So, "Castrol" of the EPX80 group showed a result close to the considered 80W90 in terms of the cold resistance parameter. At the same time, its welding load cannot be called excellent.

However, this result does not mean that an unthickened gear oil is worse than a thickened one. This only indicates that it should be operated in more suitable conditions.

What characteristics are optimal

So, a good quality characteristic of viscosity is 150 degrees Celsius and above 5 square millimeters per second. At low temperatures, an excellent viscosity is one that does not increase more than 150,000 mPa*s. The temperature indicator that will be at this dimension is the limit for ensuring the normal operation of the transmission. If the lubricant is used at a lower value, then this will have a bad effect on automotive mechanisms.

What kind of oil to fill in a manual gearbox

Previously, such a question simply did not arise. It was enough just to indicate to the seller that engine or transmission oil was needed. But at present, when store shelves are overflowing with many types of oils, you have to understand their various parameters in order to ultimately understand which oil to fill in or automatic.

For example, it is known that GL 4 and GL 5 groups are suitable for passenger cars, and even lower for domestic ones.

But as far as viscosity is concerned, the situation is more complicated. For example, if we take 80W90 gear oil (reviews from motorists are similar to the results of independent tests), then they have more cold-resistant characteristics than 85W90 and can be safely used at temperatures from -20 to -25 ° C. At the same time, for transmission viscosity class 85W90, normal operation will be ensured only up to minus 12 ° C.

Both the oil group and its viscosity are indicated on the canister packaging. Therefore, all that remains for the motorist is to simply understand the necessary parameters for his car and choose a specific brand of oil.

"Lukoil" TM 4: transmission oil 80W90, price, characteristics

Having understood the main characteristics, you can move on to certain types of transmission lubricating fluids.

Lukoil 80W90 TM 4 transmission oil is among the best oils in this class. This is a simple and inexpensive, but high-quality lubricating fluid that will work great both in cars and oil-intensive trucks. It is made on a mineral basis. In addition to the base, the lubricant contains a package of additives that improve properties. It shows itself well even at very low temperatures and is able to remain in working condition for a long time. Of course, the oil cannot be called elite, but for "workhorses" this transmission is just what you need.

The benefits of the oil are as follows:

• simple and reliable composition;
• large temperature range;
• good performance at low temperature;
• the presence of wear-resistant and other additives that improve quality;
• low price.

API group compatibility - GL 4 is the only drawback that this 80W90 gear oil has. The price will seem tempting to many: from 137 rubles per liter. For comparison: "TNK TransHypoid" 80W90 costs 539 rubles per liter; Motul Gearbox 80W90 - 855 rubles; Ford 80W90 - 1300 rubles.

The use of special lubricants for the transmission is just as necessary as for the power unit. But, unlike the engine, there is a significant difference in viscosity class and characteristics between these materials. One of the most popular examples is 80W90 oil, which is used mostly in regions with moderate cold in winter and intense heat in summer.

How does 80W90 stand for?

Like motor lubricants, they are classified by the Society of Automotive Engineers (English abbreviated - SAE) by viscosity class. However, different systems are used for these types of liquids, which must be distinguished in order to correctly select the appropriate material. Decryption is best done in parts.

The name "80W" means that oils of this viscosity class freeze at temperatures from 25 to 30 degrees below zero. If the vehicle will be operated mainly in regions with very cold winters, it is best to prefer fluids containing the marking 75W, 70W and below. As for the number "90", it indicates the permissible limits for the use of oil in the summer. The grease does not lose its characteristics at temperatures from 35 to 40 degrees above zero.

As a result, SAE 80W90 is an all-weather universal fluid for drive axles and gearboxes. They work great in the temperature range from -25 to 35 degrees, but a number of manufacturers offer wider limits for the use of this consumable.

Characteristics

Gear oil has such a feature as the presence of additives that increase the density of the fluid. This is necessary for the stable operation of the lubricant under adverse weather conditions, as well as with a sharp temperature drop without losing key properties. In addition, they avoid evaporation, which in the long run adversely affects the operation of the transmission.

A manual transmission consists of many rubbing parts that are constantly in contact with each other due to the driver switching speeds. Naturally, the surfaces of these components must be lubricated with a certain fluid in order to protect against premature wear and compensate for the effects of friction forces. The 80W90 transmission oil has characteristics that allow you to prevent the occurrence of malfunctions. It is able to withstand severe loads, which are aggravated by severe frosts or heat.

An important task of the fluid in question is to ensure smooth and quiet operation of the gearbox. Unlubricated parts make it difficult to shift the lever, which leads to a deterioration in the condition of the entire transmission system. Moreover, this is the cause of a strong rattle and other extremely unpleasant sounds, indicating problems in the operation of the mechanisms. Oil is designed to prevent these problems.

What oils to use?

Only high-quality gear oil can provide reliable protection, so the choice of a suitable lubricant must be approached very carefully.

If these conditions cannot be met, or they did not lead to the desired result, you should turn to the most popular and high-quality lubricant samples offered by other manufacturers.

Excellent transmission consumables are distributed by Motul. The Gearbox oil model performs well in extreme conditions and is able to withstand maximum loads in the appropriate temperature range. A great option is Mobilube HD. The grease has a slightly higher frost resistance threshold than the previous version, although it is no worse in other characteristics.

Budget options can be of no less quality, although they will not have outstanding properties either. Among them are ZIC Gearoil and Lukoil TM-4, which operate quite reliably in the specified weather conditions, while their cost is 20–40% lower than that of the more expensive options discussed above.

Conclusion

Good gear oil is the key to the smooth operation of the gearbox and drive axles. A popular option among motorists is lubricants with a viscosity grade of 80W90, which are distinguished by good resistance to stress in severe frosts. It is important to approach the choice of this kind of fluids with an arrangement, since they significantly affect the car.

Before talking about the classification and main characteristics, it is necessary to find out what tasks this working fluid performs. Such oil is necessary for solving several problems:

• Parts lubrication. There are dozens of moving parts in the gearbox design. To reduce their wear, while ensuring correct and smooth operation, transmission oil is necessary. If it is not changed in a timely manner, a large amount of metal chips will form in the gearbox, which can disrupt the operation of the unit.
• Heat dissipation. Without gear oil, the parts of the box would simply overheat. High temperatures also have a negative effect on parts as well as their service life.
• Corrosion protection. Modern products in the composition include many elements that help to increase the protection of the metal from corrosion.
• Reduced transmission noise and vibration. The operation of the gearbox is associated with various noises that cause inconvenience to the driver and passengers when driving. Oil can significantly reduce the noise level.

As you can see, the use of gear oil is a must. It helps to extend the life of the gearbox, and also prevents breakdowns.

Oil Viscosity: Definition and Importance

In the store and in the market, drivers can find a huge selection of oils. Modern industry produces mineral, semi-synthetic and synthetic oils. Each of them has its own characteristics and features. When choosing products, you should definitely pay attention to such an indicator as viscosity.

This parameter allows you to determine if this fluid is suitable for use in a particular temperature range. Essentially, this is the ability of an oil to maintain fluidity between parts. We all know that this working fluid thickens with decreasing temperatures, making the lubrication process impossible. For this reason, of course, it is necessary to choose the right oil. You can always find recommendations for buying in the technical description of your car. Additionally, you can consult on specialized forums for your car model.

International SAE classification

How to determine the viscosity of the oil, because it is impossible to measure this parameter with a ruler or other tool. This question was asked by experts from the American Society of Engineers. The result of their work was the creation of a generally accepted standard. The SAE index indicates the viscosity of the oil, while allowing car owners to choose the products that are necessary for their foreign car. This index can be used to determine the highest and lowest temperatures at which oil can be operated.

According to SAE standards, gearbox oils are divided into two main categories:

• winter (in their marking they have the English letter W - Winter), for example, 70w, 75w
• summer (without index), for example, 80, 85, 140.

There are also all-weather oils (they are just being discussed), which in the marking have two numbers at once, separated by the English letter W. Such products can be used by drivers throughout the year.

In this marking, the first number (for example, 80W) indicates the viscosity class at low temperatures (also called winter viscosity). The second indicator after the letter W is the viscosity class at positive temperatures (or summer viscosity). The first number in the marking indicates the viscosity of cold oil, and the second - hot. The smaller the first parameter and the larger the second, the better. The small first number ensures the ease of movement of the gears in sub-zero temperatures, and the large second number guarantees the high strength of the film being created.

Oil comparison

When we have determined what viscosity is and figured out the principle of labeling gear oils, we can move on to comparing different products. So, the first number indicates the minimum temperature at which this oil can be operated. Thus, products 75W90, 75W85 and 75W85 have a common parameter (temperature of -40 degrees Celsius). The second indicator indicates viscosity at positive temperatures. For 75W85 and 75W85, this figure is 35 degrees Celsius, and for 75W90, the maximum temperature reaches 45 degrees.

If we compare the 80Wxx products with the 75W90 product, then the differences will already be in sub-zero temperatures. 80Wxx oils have a lower limit of -26 degrees. 80W90 products have an upper temperature limit of 45 degrees. The maximum lower temperature parameter is observed in 85W90. In winter, temperatures should not fall below -10 degrees for this type of oil to work correctly. A distinctive advantage of this oil model is the ability to perform its functions in extreme heat even above +45.

Products with an index of XXW90 are ideal for temperate climates. Oil 75W-90 is used in severe frosts. Properly selected gear oil will also affect handling. Changing gears will be much easier. The driver will have to make a minimum of effort.

When buying, you should also pay attention to the type of oil. For example, there is such a division:

• 85W-90 are usually thick mineral oils.
• 80W-90 is also a mineral oil, but with greater fluidity.
• 75W-90 - synthetic or semi-synthetic medium density.

As the experience of drivers shows, 75W-90 oil is optimal for a temperate climate. It retains its characteristics over a wide temperature range, and practically does not oxidize.

Main types

As mentioned earlier, in addition to viscosity division, the presented oils can belong to one of three groups:

• mineral;
• synthetic;
• semi-synthetic.

The first, as a rule, are used in old cars with a service life of more than 15 years. They are marked with the word Mineral. This is an environmentally friendly product, as well as the most affordable. At the same time, in terms of its characteristics, it is significantly inferior to the other two classes. Mineral oil quickly oxidizes and thickens when exposed to low temperatures.

Synthetic oil is deprived of all these shortcomings. The products have the best detergent and protective properties, and also include many additional additives that improve the characteristics of the oil. Synthetics work great at both low and high temperatures. The only downside is the high price.

Semi-synthetic products are a kind of "golden mean", as they have performance characteristics close to synthetics, but at the same time a more affordable price. Products are created on a mineral basis, but contain many additives.

Good to know: API classification

When buying gear oil, drivers may also encounter API markings. There is no single classification for quality, performance and application, but API is the closest to it. It contains a comprehensive assessment of the performance of lubricants.

Almost all modern cars use oils of the GL-4 or GL-5 group. The former are suitable for mechanics and gearboxes that use hypoid or helical-bevel pairs. Such oils are actively used in temperate climates. The GL-5 is suitable for harsh environments in a variety of gears. There is also a GL-6 group designed for the harshest conditions.

What to look for when choosing

The purchase of oil should be based not only on any classifications, but also on several other parameters. A quality gear oil should:

• prevent high friction and increased wear on the surfaces of gears or other transmission components;
• carry out heat dissipation;
• stop or minimize the oxidation process;
• do not react with water;
• retain original properties during long-term storage;
• reduce noise and vibration,
• do not emit toxic fumes when heated.

Oil on the label may meet your requirements, but if it does not fulfill the above tasks, then this will lead to gearbox failure. Here you should choose products from official manufacturers or well-known brands that have proven themselves in the market.

Motorists know why a vehicle needs 80w90 gl 5 gear oil. This lubricant is designed to process gearboxes, hypoid gears, and drive axles. All these parts are subjected to the greatest loads, operating temperatures even in winter can be 80 ° C, and even more in summer, up to 150 ° C. Gear oil GL 5 belongs to the mineral and is produced from the waste of already processed oil. It contains a certain amount of additives that provide:

• formation of a resistant film between friction surfaces;
• reduction of losses during gear friction;
• cooling;
• protection of parts against corrosion;
• reduction of shock loads on gears.

But most importantly, this oil contains extreme pressure additives.

Modern automotive use requires lubrication to perform reliably in all weathers. Many vehicles require GL 5 grade gear oils as recommended by the manufacturers to achieve this goal. It can be used both in the gearbox and for the rear axle. For vehicles with hypoid gear engagement, only grease marked GL 5 is suitable. But for manual gearboxes, this grease is no longer suitable, they use GL 4.

Gear oil selection

Russian motorists are certainly faced with the problem of choice. Gear oil of not every caliber is produced by domestic manufacturers, and imported is not cheap. Perhaps there is one consolation - this is a rare need to change the lubricant in gearboxes: 1 time per 75-100 thousand kilometers. In order to correctly approach the choice of gear oil, many details must be taken into account.

In some cases, it is only a lubricant, but in hydromechanical systems it acts as a working fluid that transmits torque. That is why the choice of class is not limited only to GL 5, it is necessary to select a liquid of suitable viscosity, in which the operation of all parts of a complex mechanism will be carried out at any temperature. Car manufacturers recommend stopping at oils marked 80W90 GL 5 or 75W90.

The additives that are present in oils labeled 80W90GL have a specific effect on mechanisms subject to friction. The viscosity of the lubricant with sufficient accuracy can be found in the tables. A specific marking indicates that the oil is suitable for use in the temperature range from +40 to -26 ° C, the closest coding 75W90 transmission can be used at lower temperatures.

Gear oils are selected depending on the type of gearbox and operating conditions

From all of the above, the conclusion is that there is not much difference between GL5 or GL4 lubricating fluids, which is why the main thing is to rely on the recommendations of car manufacturers. If the use of GL4 is acceptable, there is no point in using a product of a higher class, if only for reasons of economy.

When choosing oil by viscosity, you should focus on the extreme driving and the type of climatic conditions.

If we take a lubricant of a higher class than those already mentioned, for example, 85W90, we have to talk about the inappropriateness of its use. Such an oil definitely withstands huge loads and copes with its task of starting a car, but for this it contains a larger number of additives, including sulfate ones. But an additional amount of impurities leads to the fastest wear of mechanisms.

Gearbox lubricant from well-known brands

When choosing a lubricant, many are also guided by the brand of the product offered. It is logical to use engine and transmission oils from the same manufacturer.

1. Motul (Motul Gearbox) - a good lubricant, has shown excellent qualities in extreme driving. Cannot be used in the Samara gearbox, but suitable for Zhiguli, Volga, Niva.
2. Zik (Zic Gear Oil) - this oil has shown excellent qualities, it is characterized by a low price. Nothing can be said about how long it can provide protection in gearboxes.
3. Lukoil is a domestic manufacturer that cannot be ignored. The lubricant has earned the trust of not only Russian motorists, but also ranks 5-6th among foreign consumers. It is produced on the basis of two types of oil: synthetic and mineral.
4. Hypoid-Getriebeoil (GL-5) 80W-90 from a fairly well-known company Liquid Molly. This is a mineral oil, and it can be used in a gearbox if required by car manufacturers. A good protective agent.
5. Total offers a very wide range of synthetic gear oils. All types are noteworthy. Therefore, the main selection criterion should be the appointments in the instructions for the car.
6. ELF is actually the same Total.

The oils of these companies are designed to provide reliable protection during fast driving. But the need to change bearings and gears in some way increases, and the driver knows better what the main reason is: in the extreme course or in poor lubrication.