Synthetic fluids for automotive gear oil applications: A survey of potential performance

Abstract

This paper describes studies of transmission lubricants in an axle efficiency test rig. The test lubricants were evaluated over various temperature ranges, for each of five road load speed conditions. This was done for both truck and passenger car. Three synthetic gear oils were evaluated, based on various combinations of synthetic hydrocarbons, esters, and viscosity improvers, and were compared to conventional SAE 80W-90 lubricants. All three oils demonstrated improvements in axle eficiency. Also reported are evaluations of seven test lubricants in a high-temperature, high-torque test, and results of seal compatibility tests.