What does API stand for in gear oil?
What does API stand for in gear oil?
The American Petroleum Institute (API) has a system of specifications for classifying gear and differential oils with a GL (Gear Lubricant) rating.
What is the difference between API GL4 and GL5?
The main difference between GL-4 and GL-5 gear oils is the amount of EP additives. GL-4 is suitable for hypoid gear service when they are under severe service but are without shock loading. GL-5 is suitable for hypoid gear service under severe service and shock loads and not for use in a gearbox.
What is API classification GL-5?
The designation API GL-5 denotes lubricants intended for gears, particularly hypoid gears, in axles operating under various combinations of high-speed/shock load and low-speed/high-torque conditions.
Is gear oil and transmission fluid the same?
Transmission fluid, also called gear oil, ensures smooth functioning and extended life of transmissions, transfer cases and differentials in cars, trucks and other machinery. Like motor oil, they are composed of base oil (mineral, semi- or fully synthetic) and additives.
What kind of oil was used in automatic transmission fluid?
In the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s, ATF contained whale oil as a rust and corrosion inhibitor. A moratorium on whale oil at that time prevented the continued production of older ATF such as the original 1967 DEXRON formulation (Type B), and the fluids which preceded it.
Why is API GL-5 recommended for manual transmission?
• Contains special additives to assist in protecting gear teeth from rust and corrosion and reduce chattering in limited-slip differentials • Provides outstanding thermal stability for cleanliness and longer service life • Recommended for (conventional and limited slip) manual Transmissions where an API GL-5 or MT-1 fluid is specified
What are the API standards for automotive lubricants?
Where special performance requirements apply, the descriptions in the publication conform to the automotive lubricants test language developed by ASTM International. API standards are published as an aid to procurement of standardized equipment and materials.
What are lubricant service designations for automotive manual transmissions?
The American Petroleum Institute has released lubricant service designations for automotive manual transmissions, transaxles, and axles. Each designation refers to the performance required of a gear lubricant for a specific type of automotive service.
