All gear lubricants are definitely not the same. There are differences in the additive technology used for lubricants for each specification, and just because one type of gear oil works well for one type of gear application, that doesn't mean it will work well for all.
Does it matter what gearbox oil I use?
Lower and higher viscosity oils are suited to different applications. Lower-viscosity gear oils offer better protection and lubrication for high-speed gearboxes that are under relatively low loads thanks to their improved cooling abilities and thinner films which better coat fast-moving components.
Is gear oil a universal?
The majority of gear oils on the market are geared towards automotive purposes, particularly for manual transmissions. These are usually termed as “universal” gear oils and while they can be used for industrial processes they often contain additives which can be detrimental to machinery.
What is the difference between gear oils?
Gear oil differs from motor oil. While many motorists may assume SAE 90 gear oil is thicker than SAE 40 or 50 motor oil, they are actually the same viscosity; the difference is in the additives.
How do I know what gear oil to use?
How do you select a gearbox oil?
- Gearbox type: dimensions, the metal from which the teeth are made, sliding properties and gear ratio, open or closed casing, etc.
- Operating conditions: depending on the load, vibration and shock levels, anti-wear and extreme pressure properties determine the choice of lubricant.
Can you mix different gear oils?
Mineral oils, PAOs and esters may all be mixed together. Only polyglycol type synthetic oils (PG or PAG) may not be mixed with the other lubricant types. They can react together and form gum gels in the casings. Furthermore, they can sometimes be incompatible and immiscible with other polyglycols.
Can I use 80w90 instead of ep90?
If its asking for SAE 90, an SAE 80w/90 will be fine as it is a 90 at operating temperature, so just giving a wider temperature range to work from. The 80 side will benefit you when putting the machine in gear when it's cold.
How can you tell the difference between oil and gearbox oil?
The main thing you'll notice about gear oil is its viscosity. It's much thicker than motor oil, with an average motor oil being 5W/30 and the average gear oil being 75/90 (see this article for in depth explanation of oil viscosity index).
Can I use motor oil for gear oil?
Gear oil and motor oil are not the same thing, and they are not interchangeable. Gear oil is specially formulated for use on gears.
What is 90 weight gear oil used for?
What is 90 weight gear oil used for? The 75W-90 gear oil is used under extreme pressure conditions and is recommended for limited-slip differentials and for use in colder climates. Used in heavy duty manual transmissions, final drives and axles, high temperatures will not effect the heavy film left by this oil.
What is 80W-90 gear oil?
Lubricant. The oil known as 80W-90 GL-5 is a lubricant for the gears in your vehicle. It is used in automatic and manual transmissions, and assists the gears in shifting smoothly.
How many types of gear oil are there?
While there are many variations, gear lubricants can generally be placed into three categories: R & O, antiscuff and compounded. The gear lubricant type that best fits a given application will be determined by the operating conditions.
What does 80W90 mean?
SAE 80W90 meaning. 80W90 stands for the SAE class, for which transmission oil must have characteristic properties. This classification is made by the Society of Automotive Engineers. In the case of multigrade oil, the flow properties of the oil at certain temperatures are particularly important in this context.
Which gearbox oil is best?
Our top pick for the best transmission fluid is the Castrol Transmax Dex/Merc ATF. It works for the majority of domestic cars out there and delivers great results. If you're looking for something even more wallet-friendly, check out the ACDelco Dexron VI Synthetic ATF.
What kind of oil goes in a gearbox?
For example, most modern gearboxes require a GL-4 oil, and separate differentials (where fitted) require a GL-5 oil. While they take the same form, the viscosity grades for gear oils are on a different scale than the viscosity grades for an engine oil. The viscometrics for gear oils are standardized in SAE J306.
Can you use 10W30 as gear oil?
Motor oil is rated differently from gear oil. In the gearbox, both 80W and 10W30 would work fine (if they are close enough).
Can you use 10W 30 for gear oil?
MOTO GEAR OIL SAE 10W/30 is especially suitable for gears of two-stroke motorbikes equipped with wet clutches as well as for all motorbikes with separate gear lubrication.
What can I substitute for ATF?
PS/ATF/brake fluid should be largely interchangeable in a pinch, same for motor oil and gear oil, but a "fluid" should not be substituted for an "oil" or visa versa.
Is gear lube the same as gear oil?
All gear lubricants are definitely not the same. There are differences in the additive technology used for lubricants for each specification, and just because one type of gear oil works well for one type of gear application, that doesn't mean it will work well for all.
Can I use ATF in manual gearbox?
Will automatic transmission fluid work in a manual transmission? Yes – provided the original equipment manufacturer recommends it. It's important to check your owner's manual to make sure before dumping ATF in your manual transmission. In fact, some manuals may call for a gear lube or even a motor oil in older units.
Is engine oil and gear oil different?
Gear oil and motor oil are not the same thing, and they are not interchangeable. Gear oil is specially formulated for use on gears. Motor oil… You guessed it – it's for motors.
Is SAE 90 the same as EP90?
An SAE 90 gearbox oil is roughly the same viscosity as an SAE 50 engine oil. Most manufacturers now offer EP80W/90 oils in place of both EP80 and EP90. In viscosity terms, this is analagous to using a 20W/50 engine oil in the sump, and will do no harm.
What is SAE 80 gear oil?
Gear Oil - SAE 80 GL-4 - RAVENOL Multipurpose Gear Oil MZG. RAVENOL Multipurpose Gear Oil SAE 80 GL-4 is a EP (extreme pressure) gear oil designed for manual transmissions, distributor transmissions, steering transmissions, as well as normal loaded axle drives.
What is SAE 80 EP oil?
Lubricating oil for gearboxes and differentials of cars, trucks, buses and agricultural equipment. Extreme pressure oil especially recommended for the lubrication of gearboxes and hypoid and helical type differentials gearboxes and low gearboxes. SKU: Ref. 21002 Category: GEAR LUBRICANTS.
What happens if you use the wrong differential fluid?
Using the wrong fluid can cause poor lubrication, overheating, and possibly transmission failure. A mechanic might not be able to reverse the damage, even by flushing the transmission.
