Front diff oil

[uphere]

Just changed the front differential oil on my XR4140H ... used 80W90 gear oil that was rated GL-5 (Traxon by Petro Canada). Noticed the book calls for GL-4 but had 8litres of the Traxon lying around and figured that because it was only working the front differential (and not the transmission) I should be ok. So now I ask the experts and find out either a) I can have a beer and relax, or b) I can go change it and have many beers?

 

[ehinson]

Well I'm no expert but one hasn't chimed in yet so...

After all I have read this was the most important part " GL-5

The label "GL-5" defines how much sulpher-based friction modifier is present in the oil. This chemical helps the oil operate under extreme pressure. The chemical causes erosion within the gears, and GL-5 causes more erosion than GL-4. Check your manual to find which kind is preferred for your particular engine. "

I would stick with what the manufacture recommends, they know what type of metal goes into the equipment they build and what works best with that.

 

[3Lfarms]

The erosion effects soft metal (i.e. bronze alloys) used in older style gearboxes and rear ends. Apparently bronze isn’t used much in newer cars and trucks.
I don’t know why about the only gear oil you can find these days is GL5 when there are still so many applications that specify GL4.

 

[uphere]

Thanks for the opinions lads ... I ran the GL-5 in my 4041 and had no problems (that I saw at least) .... you are right in stating most gear oils seem to be rated as GL-5 nowadays. Also confusing are the ones that are rated for both (GL4 and 5?) - or some oil companies saying that 5 supercedes 4?. I might just run it for the winter and change it in the spring to be safe. Personally, my thinking is if it was servicing the tranny too I may change it now?

 

[Oldpath05]

I put this in my front end 4 years ago>>>Mobil Mobilube HD Plus 85w14, Gear Oil, 1 qt 12514 | Zoro.com Then I had some Moxie.............

 

[Avenger]

Relax, have a beer.

The front diff is a gear box. You put the proper weight of gear oil in a gear box. People will get all bent outta shape over trivial things. Like putting air in a tire: "how much humidity should be in the air compressor when I fill the car tires?! I dont want to rust the alloy wheels and trip the DPMS sensor!" pish. relax, have a homebrew.

 

[uphere]

Thanks boys for allowing me to have another brew ... my dealer finally got back to me and said "don't worry about it" - but now that I think of it I believe he is also part owner of the local beer store? :laughing:

 

[RalphVa]

Just changed the front differential oil on my XR4140H ... used 80W90 gear oil that was rated GL-5 (Traxon by Petro Canada). Noticed the book calls for GL-4 but had 8litres of the Traxon lying around and figured that because it was only working the front differential (and not the transmission) I should be ok. So now I ask the experts and find out either a) I can have a beer and relax, or b) I can go change it and have many beers?

You should be okay. GL5 is what is specified for the differential of our Miata. They say GL4 for its transmission (manual).

The "gear" oil is usually about equivalent to 30w motor oil but of course with the additives for gear oil use. Whereas, manual transmission oil is usually about equivalent to 20w engine oil, again with the proper transmission additives. (If you go to auto transmissions, you're into 5 to 10w oils, which are about what the HST transmissions use.)

Gear and manual transmission oils are rated at 40 C/104 F instead of the 100 C/212 F that engine oils are rated at. This is why you get those very much higher 75-90w ratings for gear/trans oils, because they're operating at lower temps.

Ralph

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

I'm coming up on the first front axle oil change. Is there any flushes that can be used to get out any shavings that may have occurred during the initial break in or just not worry about it?

Most of my operating hours have been in 4wd. I usually use synthetic gear lube.