I am having a though time finding the type of gear oil specified in the manual, SAE 80W-90 GL-4. It is for a TYM 474 Front axel. Although the type GL-5 is similar and it is widely available, I am hesitant to use it which could void the warranty. Anyone is having similar situation? I have looked on the net and the local stores near me but no luck. I have not consulted with the local tractor dealers near me as I am sure they should have it; but again, they like their price tag.
Gear oil type can’t be found
- Thread starter Lkaid
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Roadworthy
Elite Member
If you do some surfing you'll find the difference between the two resides in the additives used. They do not interchange in all cases. I don't know how hard you've looked for GL-4 but online I can even find it at Walmart.
Here's some from Big A. This is what I ended up using.
Amazon.com: CRC Multi-Purpose Gear Oil 85W90 SAE-Gallon (24239), 1 Gallon (128 Ounces) : Automotive
Buy CRC Multi-Purpose Gear Oil 85W90 SAE-Gallon (24239), 1 Gallon (128 Ounces): Gear Oils - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
jigs_n_fixtures
Veteran Member
Local parts houses normally have GL5 which is GL4 safe.
The GL4 is yellow metal safe and not all GL5 is safe for yellow metal. The yellow metal issue typically occurs with transmissions which have brass or bronze synchronizer rings.
The front axle doesn’t have synchros, so it is probably safe to use a GL5 which is GL4 safe.
This is a good article: https://www.rymax-lubricants.com/updates/the-differences-between-gl-4-and-gl-5/
The GL4 is yellow metal safe and not all GL5 is safe for yellow metal. The yellow metal issue typically occurs with transmissions which have brass or bronze synchronizer rings.
The front axle doesn’t have synchros, so it is probably safe to use a GL5 which is GL4 safe.
This is a good article: https://www.rymax-lubricants.com/updates/the-differences-between-gl-4-and-gl-5/
DarkBlack
Elite Member
That article is worded a bit odd, as it sites, “bronze and copper”, instead of “bronze and brass”.
The copper element in both brass and bronze parts in transmissions is what reacts negatively with the sulfur. Very unlikely to find a pure copper part in a transmission
The copper element in both brass and bronze parts in transmissions is what reacts negatively with the sulfur. Very unlikely to find a pure copper part in a transmission
jigs_n_fixtures
Veteran Member
It depends on what “Extreme Pressure” additives the manufacturer put in the oil to get the GL5 rating. The lower cost alternative is sulfur compounds. The nonsulphur compounds are more expensive.
As I said above, the primary application of “yellow metal”, aka, copper alloys in drive train components, is as synchronizer rings in transmissions.
I guess if a manufacturer was trying to cut costs in the front axle they could put in bronze bushings as opposed to bearings, and possibly make a crush sleeve to located the pinyon gear out of bronze. But, both would have very short service lives so, I would not expect them to be used.
You can hunt around for GL4 lubricant if you want to. I researched the topic, pretty extensively a few years back, when I first bought my tiny truck, and it specified GL4 for the transmission, transfer case, and axles.
As a result I have a pretty good understanding of what things are, and how they work together, and I have no hesitancy in using “yellow metal safe” GL5 of the appropriate viscosity, in anything specifying GL4.
The difference mechanically between the GL3, GL4, and GL5, is how well they function under high pressure shear as the gear teeth move across each other under “extreme pressure”. GL3 has less EP capabilities than the GL4, and the GL4 less than the GL5.
As I said above, the primary application of “yellow metal”, aka, copper alloys in drive train components, is as synchronizer rings in transmissions.
I guess if a manufacturer was trying to cut costs in the front axle they could put in bronze bushings as opposed to bearings, and possibly make a crush sleeve to located the pinyon gear out of bronze. But, both would have very short service lives so, I would not expect them to be used.
You can hunt around for GL4 lubricant if you want to. I researched the topic, pretty extensively a few years back, when I first bought my tiny truck, and it specified GL4 for the transmission, transfer case, and axles.
As a result I have a pretty good understanding of what things are, and how they work together, and I have no hesitancy in using “yellow metal safe” GL5 of the appropriate viscosity, in anything specifying GL4.
The difference mechanically between the GL3, GL4, and GL5, is how well they function under high pressure shear as the gear teeth move across each other under “extreme pressure”. GL3 has less EP capabilities than the GL4, and the GL4 less than the GL5.
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Hughman
Platinum Member
I had the same problem when looking for GL6 for my jeep. Try finding that in a store. Amazon to the rescue.
3gunr
Veteran Member
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I called a local mahindra dealer and asked them . Was told GL5 was fine to use ,
RalphVa
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Normally not replaced until about 400 hours. Still under warranty? For the Miata's GL4 trans fluid, I used some Ford stuff.
