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.
Can I use any gearbox oil?
Gearbox oil has a higher viscosity than engine oil and this is because it better protects the gears, ensuring you have a smooth transition between them. The higher viscosity is also essential due to the fact there is no pump to push the oil around the gearbox. Therefore, you cannot use engine oil in your gearbox.
How do I choose the right gearbox oil?
As a general rule high viscosity oils are best for low speed, loaded gears with a rough surface. Higher viscosity provides a thicker film, higher wear resistance, and less deformation of the gears as time goes on. Low viscosity oils, on the other hand, are best for high speed systems with lower load.
Are all gear oils the same?
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.
Do all gearboxes use the same fluid?
They are not all the same. Moreover, if your vehicle is still under warranty, using a fluid thatis not approved by the vehicle manufacturer will void the transmission warranty. Automobile companies develop automatic transmission fluids, or at least set specifications for them.
19 related questions foundCan I use Mercon V instead of dexron III?
MERCON and MERCON V type fluids are not interchangeable. recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
Can I use dexron III instead of dexron VI?
The GM site says to STAY AWAY FROM DEX III, and only use DEXRON VI. Dexron VI is a lot more stable at higher temperatures and lasts longer. It can also be used to top off dexron 3, however, you can't use dexron 3 if you already have dexron 6 originally in your trans, or if it has been flushed with dexron 6.
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 does 80w90 mean?
The “80W-90” numbers apply to oil viscosity. This oil has two numbers and has two grades of viscosity. 'W' refers to winter stability. In this situation, the amount “80” means that the oil operates better at lower temperatures. The second number, that is, 90, indicates how thin the oil must be at 100°C.
Is 75w90 better than 80w90?
80w90 is the best oil for winter and summer weather conditions. 80w90 has a higher rating than 75w90 due to its tolerance to both cold and hot conditions. But 75w90 is limited to higher temperatures to minimize premature wear and tear. The winner under this category is 80w90 gear oil.
Is Thicker gear oil better?
Higher-viscosity gear oils offer thick films, better wear resistance and protection from corrosion, making them suited to slower gearboxes that operate under more intense pressures and loads. They also seal components better, affording longer change intervals.
What is the difference between gearbox oil and transmission oil?
The simplest answer to the difference between transmission fluid and gear oil is in the purpose for which they are designed. Transmission fluid is engineered to work with automatic transmissions, whereas gear oil is typically intended to work with manual-type gear boxes.
What's the difference between engine oil and gearbox oil?
Yes, there is a difference
gear oil, you may be tempted to think they're the same thing, but they're not. Gear oil is specifically designed to protect, lubricate, and cool gearing systems. Engine oil lubricates the bearings and protects your car's engine from the additives in gasoline.
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 80w90 thicker than 75w90?
SAE 75W-90 maintains a more consistent thickness, or viscosity, across a wide temperature range. It's thicker when exposed to high heat and thinner under colder, wintry conditions than 80W-90. The use of 75W-90 gear oil is recognized by OEMs as a contributor to overall fuel economy.
Can you mix different weight gear oil?
The truth is simple: don't mix two different oils that have different weights (viscosities). Viscosity Grades might sound pretty scientific, but the simple fact is that this is what keeps your engine running smoothly.
What is 90w oil?
It has been designed to reduce friction & wear, perform under the highest levels of heat & stress, and is recommended for use in differentials, manual transmissions, worm gears, power dividers, supercharges, and all gear boxes that require a gear lubricant.
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 is equivalent to gear oil?
What Is Equivalent To Gear Oil? A manual transmission fluid (MTF) is an obvious substitute for the American Petroleum Industry Gear Lubricant (API GL-4 or GL-5) commonly found in your vehicle.
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).
What happens if you use the wrong type of transmission 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. Mistakenly adding motor oil or brake fluid can also destroy your transmission.
Do they still make DEXRON III?
All Dexron-III (H) licenses expired permanently at the end of 2011, and GM now supports only Dexron-VI fluids for use in their older automatic transmissions. Aftermarket fluids asserted by their manufacturers to meet Dexron-III(H) and earlier standards continue to be sold under names such as Dex/Merc.
What happens if you mix transmission fluid with oil?
Nothing will happen
Or, you may accidentally end up mixing transmission fluid with oil. In the best-case scenario, nothing bad will happen. If you manage to use the recommended transmission fluid, it may not cause any benefits but still won't harm the oil or engine.
Can you mix Dexron with Mercon?
Dexron II was introduced in 1987 and Mercon was introduced in 1987. In addition, it cannot be mixed with earlier Mercon fluids, so it should not be mixed with Mercon or Mercon V. There is no compatibility with any other fluid either.
What transmission fluid is compatible with Mercon V?
The transmission fluids compatible with Mercon V are- Dexron lll, Ford model, Type CJ, and Type H fluid.
