TOP 15 best gear oils

Motul Gear FF Comp 75W-140 Vista 2

LIQUI MOLY 75W140 CL-5 Type 3

Castrol Transmax CVT view

Gear oil removes heat from friction surfaces, prevents wear, reduces shock loads, protects cars from corrosion, and removes wear products. The right product should have good anti-foaming and lubricating properties and a low pour point.

The main selection criteria are viscosity index (SAE) and serviceability (APL). By viscosity, the compositions are divided into all-weather, summer and winter. According to the APL, they are divided into 7 groups. The most popular are the standard GL-4 and the heavy duty GL-5. Oils are mineral, synthetic and semi-synthetic. The difference lies in the quality characteristics and approach. Semi-synthetics made from mineral and synthetic oils are considered.”

How to choose gear oil

When choosing a transmission fluid, it is recommended to take into account the specific loads acting on the mechanism and the relative slip rate. The compositions differ in the degree of viscosity and the amount of compound. Sulfur compounds in extreme pressure additives cause chemical changes in the metal, but at the same time protect parts from wear. GL-4 is suitable for front-wheel drive gearboxes, GL-5 is suitable for other domestic cars. In stores there is a universal liquid GL-4/5.

Using the same oil for boxes of different brands is fraught with breakdowns.

Many drivers fill in spring fluid. If you want to buy a seasonal lubricant, choose it strictly for your gearbox and do not forget about the temperature. The viscosity index can be found in the automotive manual.

Classification of oils for transmission by viscosity

The quality of transportation depends on the condition of the transmission and the timely replacement of the fluid. API GL-4 oil is used for standard manual transmissions, transfer cases and drive axles. The best option is an all-weather product labeled 75W90 GL-4. For hypoid gearboxes and drive axles operating under varying load conditions, fill fluid with API code GL-5. Most often it is a checkpoint for trucks, tractors, buses.

GL-5 grease contains a lot of extreme pressure additives that do not work well with synchronizer brass. Sometimes in car services, standard GL-4 or GL-5 are poured into the gearbox and drive axles at the same time, causing the seals to break. At high pressure and high temperature, the fluid will remain stable if GL-4 is poured into the gearbox and GL-5 into the drive axle mechanisms. The difference will be significant.

Gear oil GL-4

GL-4 oil is widely used in vehicles with synchronized gears. It can be mineral or semi-synthetic. Includes effective extreme pressure additives (4%). Designed for box-shaped, hypoid and spiral cones operating at stresses up to 3000 MPa.

The marking on the label indicates the viscosity class of the oil, its performance characteristics and belonging to one or another group. W - winter indicator. This standard shows a high level of thermal stability and oxidation resistance, heat dissipation capacity, anti-foam properties. Protects mechanisms from wear and corrosion, reduces fuel consumption. GL-4 greases are all-weather and are widely used in the central regions of Russia, where the average temperature corresponds to the operating temperature of the grease.

Gear oil GL-5

Standard GL-5 engine oils are divided into mineral 85W, less viscous 80W, and synthetic and semi-synthetic 75W. The product has a high concentration of sulfur and phosphorus additives (6,5%) for use in harsh conditions.

It is used in hypoid drive axles of automobiles and construction equipment operating at high speeds and temperatures and subject to temporary shock loads. It cannot be used for manual transmissions of domestic and some foreign classic cars. GL-5 reduces friction between the synchronizer and the gear, which results in vibration.

In a front-wheel drive car, the main gear and synchronizers are located in one block. The car owner must choose what is more important to him - to fix the synchronizers or the final drive.

How to choose oil in a gearbox according to SAE

The abbreviation SAE in the name of the oil indicates its main characteristic: viscosity. With a properly selected index, the composition smoothly processes transmission units, increases their service life and transmission efficiency, facilitates easy starting even in severe frost, and reduces fuel consumption. The letter W indicates that the product is suitable for any season. For example, marking SAE 75W90 means the following decoding:

• the number 75 is the degree of fluidity at sub-zero temperatures;
• the number 90 is the viscosity index.

In the absence of the letter W, the liquid is consumed only in summer. The degree of viscosity affects the performance of the car. Lubricants are divided into several types according to the climatic features of the regions:

• SAE 140 and above - for the southern regions;
• SAE 90 - all-weather for the central strip;
• SAE 75-90 - for the northern regions.

Differences in composition

Gearboxes are mechanical, automatic, CVT and robotic. They require oils of excellent composition, which are mineral, synthetic and semi-synthetic.

Mineral oil is produced from petroleum products, without the use of expensive additives.

Compared to other compounds, it is safer for the environment, humans and transmission mechanisms. Not afraid of high and low temperatures, has good fluidity, odorless. Suitable for automatic transmissions. Synthetics are obtained by synthesis. The composition of this product interacts with various compounds. Differs in thermooxidizing ability and high antifriction properties. Semi-synthetics are obtained by combining a mineral and synthetic base and additional additives. This product combines the best qualities of both oils.

Best Synthetic Gear Oils

Motul Gear FF Comp 75W-140

Synthetic fluid is needed to lubricate limited slip differentials, gearboxes and gearboxes. Designed for sports cars and rally. Belongs to the category of "overpressure".

It is resistant to high and low temperatures. It has sufficient fluidity and good lubricating properties. Bridges work without vibrations. Oil gives a resistant film. Formulated with extreme pressure additives to reduce transmission noise and improve shifting performance in cold climates. Motul will appeal to lovers of originality. The manufacturer does not recommend mixing the product with other formulations.

Advantages of synthetics:

• Maintains viscosity at sub-zero temperatures;
• Sold in a convenient container;
• Economic consumption;
• Excellent lubricating properties.

No cons found.

LIQUI MOLY 75W140 CL-5

The product is 100% synthetic and protects gearboxes, mechanical and transfer shafts. Equipped with LS additive package, which is suitable for final drives of passenger cars, jeeps with and without self-locking differential, BMW cars. Due to its greater durability, the product withstands overloads and temperature extremes. Provides differential performance and provides protection against abrasion. Minimal losses during operation increase the interval for changing the oil to a new one. LIQUI MOLY is used for sports cars whose power transmission is subjected to high loads during competitions. Passengers can rely on transmission reliability.

Product advantages:

• Economic consumption;
• Retains properties in the cold;
• Helps keep the engine running smoothly.

Of the minuses note the expensive price.

Castrol Transmax CVT

Fully synthetic CVT oil for most Japanese passenger cars. May be recommended for use on CVTs with metal drive belts.

Using the composition, motorists note the smoothness of the gear shift of the car and the increase in its service life. Shear stability provides reliable lubrication and wear resistance of mechanisms under all operating conditions. Anti-foam properties protect parts from rapid wear. Other functions are shown in the following table:

Creator	EU
Flash point	218 ° C
Viscosity loss temperature	-51 ° C
Consumption at 40°C, at 100°C	35 mm2/s, 7,25 mm2/s
Type and volume of containers	Canister, 1 l

Fluid Benefits:

• Increase in labor resource;
• Homogeneous consistency.

The disadvantage of oil is its small volume.

We recommend filling in the fluid recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

SHELL Spirax S5 ATE 75W90

The products are designed to lubricate parts operating at high speeds. Suitable for processing hypoid drive axles and sports gearboxes, final drives, synchronizers and non-synchronizers. Protects gears and synchronizers for better performance. The anti-seize compound prevents the formation of holes and cavities in the metal. A distinctive feature of the fluid is its thermal and oxidative resistance to deposits. The product has a high rating. A review and test of the composition can be found on the Internet.

Motorists note the following benefits:

• Optimum lubrication;
• Environmental Safety;
• Compatibility with sealing materials;
• Low chlorine content.

The product is supplied in a 1-liter canister, there are no analogues. For some, this is a drawback.

ZIC GFT 75W90 GL-4/5

Premium synthetic oil used in manual transmissions and drive axles, compatible with synchronized transmissions. Low temperature fluidity is suitable for the Russian climate. The fluid, together with additives, ensures stable operation of the transmission under overloads and high pressure. ZIC is especially suitable for Hyundai and Kia vehicles. Suitable for third party powertrains requiring 75W-90 viscosity and meeting GL-4 or GL-5 requirements.

Benefits of ZIK:

• Good anti-friction properties and thermal-oxidative stability;
• Effective additives for extreme loads;
• No malfunction, noise or vibration in cold weather.

Among product reviews, all negative opinions appear due to the large number of fakes on store shelves.

The best semi-synthetic gear oils

LIQUI MOLY hypoid gear oil TDL 75W90

Semi-synthetic universal type is applicable in any cars with manual and automatic transmissions. Lubricating and protective properties protect mechanisms from corrosion, premature wear, deposits and oxidation. Gear changes without jerks. Oil does not lose viscosity, contributes to fuel economy. Popular with motorists. Meets the requirements of vehicle manufacturers.

It is worth noting the following advantages of the product:

• Universality;
• Wide operating range, promotes rapid warm-up and engine start in winter;
• Suitable for highly loaded equipment;
• Compatible with other analogues;
• Shipped in containers of various sizes;
• Keeps mechanisms in their original state.

The disadvantages of the composition are:

• The high cost of a 1-liter bottle;
• Thick consistency.

ENEOS GL-5 75w90

All-weather transmission fluid designed for differentials, axles, mechanics. Semi-synthetics have stable fluidity at different temperatures, the mechanisms work smoothly. Prevents gear seizing, rusting and foaming. Meets the requirements of car manufacturers. The grease is characterized by optimal viscosity in cold weather. Keeps mechanisms intact under conditions of significant loads, speeds and temperatures. A variety of flow parameters allows the product to be used over a wide range of ambient temperatures. Supplied in a metal box.

Consumers respond positively to this product, noting:

• Product quality;
• Its economic value;
• Clear gear shifting in cold weather.

This product is not available in all auto stores.

GAZPROMNEFT GL-5 75W90

Semi-synthetics Gazpromneft is intended for transmission units, main gears, drive axles. Prevents abrasion of hypoid gears. It has improved performance at low temperatures and a longer service life. It comes in 20 liter drums or 205 liter drums.

Applicable to cars and off-road vehicles, drive axles of cars, tractors and buses, heavy equipment, final drives, transfer cases, non-synchronized manual transmissions or transmissions with steel synchronizers. EP additives constantly lubricate the gear teeth when the transmission is under load, maintaining transmission performance.

Product advantages:

• Drown out noises;
• Forms a protective film on the surface of mechanisms to increase the turnaround time.

Defects:

• Thickens quickly;
• Not recommended for foreign cars.

Lukoil TM-5 GL-5 75W90

Domestic semi-synthetic grease has good performance characteristics. Produced on refined and synthetic mineral oils with foreign-made additives.

The oil guarantees operation under extreme pressure. Drive units work flawlessly under high loads for a long time. The liquid does not foam, has anti-corrosion properties, saves fuel, is easily pumped at sub-zero temperatures and does not oxidize at elevated temperatures.

It can be poured into cars and trucks, other equipment of Russian and foreign production. Drives all types of manual transmissions, including hypoid, transfer cases, differentials, oil-filled steering gears.

Advantage:

• Good value for money.

Cons:

• Not intended for manual transmissions with brass synchronizers;
• It will keep at zero temperature.

Rosneft KINETIC GL-4 75W90

Universal semi-synthetics are produced on the basis of highly refined mineral and synthetic oils with a high viscosity index and an additive package. Shows excellent viscosity-temperature characteristics for the care of mechanical transmissions requiring the use of oils of categories GL-4 and GL-5. It is possible to lubricate hypoid gears operating under shock loads at high speeds.

The advantages of the products are as follows:

• A modern additive package provides protection of gears and synchronizers from wear at high temperatures and shock loads.
• The stable viscosity modifier provides a constant oil film throughout the entire period of operation.
• Antioxidant and thermal stability support the operation of transmission units.

No negative reviews found.

The best mineral gear oils

LIQUI-MOLY MTF 5100 75W

Gear oil designed for use in manual transmissions. Originally used in BMW, Ford and Volkswagen vehicles. Differs in low viscosity and special productivity.

Suitable for other mechanisms, the requirements for which correspond to the specification. Ensures fuel economy and reduces damping due to shear stability. Mineral water has the necessary viscosity-temperature properties for smooth switching and comfortable operation at any time of the year.

Fluid Benefits:

• Not subject to oxidation;
• Regular cost;
• Suitable for many manual and robotic transmissions, including dual clutch;
• It is evenly distributed over the gearbox, lubricating all elements with high quality;
• Reduce emissions;
• Compatible with special synchronizer materials.

There are no downsides to this tool.

Castrol Axle Z Limited slip 90

Mineral based automotive oil is suitable for maintenance of conventional or limited slip differentials requiring lubrication according to API GL-5 classification. Approved by ZF for use in heavy-duty multi-disc brakes on certain commercial vehicles and axles.

Good frictional properties allow the self-locking differentials to work throughout the entire period between oil changes. The manufacturer promises low dilution even under severe operating conditions. Under normal conditions, the clear formulation thickens to 0,903 g/mL. Flash may occur at 210°C. Viscosity index - 95. The product is poured into liter containers.

Castrol Axle interesting:

• Top quality;
• Favorable price tag.

It is worth noting one minus. In winter, the mineral base thickens the composition.

Motul HD 85W140

Motul supports manual transmissions, gearboxes, hypoid differentials without limited slip systems. Designed for impact loads and high and low shear rates or medium loads and high mobility. Products withstand powerful loads, prevent abrasion of parts.

According to the SAE standard, it belongs to the viscosity class 140. The product is endowed with increased lubricity for better friction reduction. The oil film envelops the parts from all sides, maintaining their performance in difficult operating conditions: with impacts and elevated thermal conditions. Oil prevents corrosion, does not foam.

The advantages of the products are as follows:

• Noise suppression;
• Smooth out the mechanics.

Some buyers warn that low-quality fakes are often found in stores.

The product should not be stored above 60°C, exposed to direct sunlight or frozen.

Takayama 75W-90 GL-5

Automotive oil is used for highly loaded mechanical mechanisms, hypoid transmissions and gearboxes requiring API GL 5 lubrication. Protects transmission components of trucks, buses, tractors, diesel locomotives, construction machines, gear reducers and worm gears of industrial equipment. Increases the wear resistance of elements under compressive loads. Takayama comes in a metal can with a patented watering can for easy pouring and a sturdy carrying handle. Presented in 4 types of packaging.

Benefits of Japanese oil:

• Provides smooth engine operation;
• Possesses the good washing qualities;
• Package of additives Afton HiTec;
• Suitable for many Japanese engines;
• No consumption waste.

There are no complaints about the quality of the products. Of the minuses, you can highlight the inflated price tag.

ENEOS "ATF Dexron-III"

The manufacturer recommends using ENEOS in automatic transmissions and power steering systems. The lubricant is suitable for most servo transmissions, power steering systems, hydraulic drives. It has high quality characteristics, it can be poured into automatic boxes with ABS.

The product is standardized by the world's leading manufacturers Dexron GM. Timely replacement of the fluid ensures a clear gear shift. This engine oil is characterized by stable frictional properties, excellent fluidity at low temperatures, compatibility with most metal parts and elastomers. The product does not leak. Thermal-oxidative stability is responsible for the cleanliness of the transmission.

Advantages of ENEOS "ATF Dexron-III":

• Acceptable price;
• Comfortable boat;
• Noiseless operation of the power transmission.

It is difficult to find original products in stores.