Gear oil is necessary for lubricating axle differentials and gearboxes in all automobiles. Most modern cars use hypoid gearboxes, which transfer power from the driveline to the axle shafts in rear axle differentials, where they are frequently used.
Gear lubricants designed to resist and protect against these difficult conditions are suggested to prolong the life of the hypoid gearsets, which operate under high pressure.
Well, in this reading, we’ll explore what a hypoid gear oil is, its importance, and how to use it.
Let’s begin!
What is Hypoid Gear Oil?
Hypoid gear oil is necessary for lubricating axle differentials and transmissions in all vehicles. The viscosity of gear oil is significantly higher than that of regular engine oil.
This prevents harsh conditions from forcing a thinner fluid out and enabling gears to grind against one another.
By design, hypoid gearsets are subjected to greater pressure than other gearset kinds. In addition to the rotational motion, a hypoid gearset introduces a sliding action of the gear tooth face, which is absent from many other gearset designs.
Hypoid gearboxes transfer power from the driveline to the axle shafts in rear axle differentials, where they are frequently used. The pinion of this particular form of spiral bevel gear has a left-hand spiral angle, whereas the crown has a right-hand spiral angle.
By doing this, the driveshaft is lowered away from the bottom of the car, which lowers the centre of gravity and, in some situations, lessens interference with the car’s interior.
Metal-on-metal grinding may result from the gear lubricant being forced out from between the meshing gear teeth by the increased pressure and sliding action.
Hypoid gear oils are designed specifically to help preserve these unique gear sets. Like other gear oils, hypoid gear oils can have greater viscosities.
However, since they contain unique anti-wear and severe pressure additives, they are more resistant to breaking down under the high temperatures and mechanical pressure generated by a hypoid gearbox’s sliding surfaces.
Related: What is Hypoid GearBox? Its Diagram and How it Works
Importance of Hypoid Gear Oil
Hypoid gear oil, like other engine fluids and oils, may be changed and maintained on a regular basis to increase a vehicle’s lifespan and performance. Under pressure, well-lubricated gears are less likely to pit, shatter, or grind against one another.
By changing the gear oil on a regular basis, wear material and other possible contaminants like water and dirt are eradicated.
The gear set may wear out more quickly if the gear oil is not changed because of dirt, possible rust and corrosion from water, and oxidation byproducts.
The synthetic, fuel-efficient (FE) GL-5 automobile gear lubricant is intended to be used on axles of trucks and passenger cars with hypoid gear sets that are subjected to harsh driving conditions or extremely high temperatures.
It is specially designed to offer better fuel efficiency than standard mineral SAE 80W-90 or synthetic SAE 75W-90 gear oils.
L-5 automobile gear lubricant is made especially for axles with hypoid gear sets seen in trucks and passenger cars. Additionally, some heavy-duty manual gearboxes in trucks and buses are advised to use it.
For passenger vehicle and truck axles with hypoid gear sets, GL-5 automotive gear lubricant is specifically made for long-drain operation and prolonged warranty protection.
Hypoid Gear Oil (GL5) SAE 80W-90
For automobiles with well-established gearbox technology, mineral-based hypoid gear oil guarantees that assemblies operate effectively even in the face of severe operating conditions and significant temperature changes.
It also maintains a stable lubricating film and provides excellent wear protection and high lubrication reliability.
First-rate paraffinic base oils and well-coordinated, cutting-edge additives give the lubricating film an exceptionally high level of tear resistance, preventing direct contact with metal.
Gear OIL HYPOID SAE 80W/90 is a high-pressure gear oil that can be used anywhere very high levels of stress occur, such as in cardan joints, hypoid gears, etc. Below are some of its benefits:
- Minimizes wear
- Does not attack common sealing materials
- Outstanding viscosity stability
- High pressure-absorption capability
- Excellent low-temperature behavior
- Excellent resistance to aging
- Reduces running noise
The Difference Between GL-4 and GL-5 Gear Oils
The following explains the difference between GL-4 and GL-5 gear oils:
- GL-4 and GL-5 gear oils are classified based on their performance in driven axles and manual gearboxes.
- GL-1, GL-4, GL-5, and MT-1 are active classifications, mainly used in North America, Africa, and Asia.
- The higher the Extreme Pressure (EP), the higher the GL category.
- The viscosity of GL-5 gear oil should be chosen based on manufacturer recommendations based on driving temperatures.
- GL-5 contains twice the amount of EP additives compared to GL-4, making it suitable for high-pressure applications.
- GL-5 can react aggressively to bronze and copper, potentially damaging transmission synchronizer rings.
- It’s not recommended to use GL-5 in a gearbox unless permitted by the manufacturer.
Related: What are Gears? Their Types, Diagram and How it Works
FAQs
What is a hypoid gear oil?
Hypoid gear oils can have higher viscosities just like other gear oils, but hypoid gear oils contain special extreme pressure and anti-wear additives that increase their resistance to breakdown under the high temperatures and mechanical pressure produced by the sliding surfaces of a hypoid gearbox.
Is 80w90 a hypoid gear oil?
Bel-Ray Gear Saver Hypoid Gear Oil 80W-90 is specially formulated to provide the best performance and wear protection for independently lubricated motorcycle transmissions and final drives.
Can I use regular gear oil instead of hypoid gear oil?
There is not any substitute for hypoid gear oil! Grease will be splattered to the sides and not return to the gears. Even high-viscosity, heavy-duty motor oil will break down rapidly under pressure and overheat the gears. Hydraulic oil is too thin to protect the gears.
Where is hypoid oil used?
Hypoid transmission oil is a lubricant that is specially tailored to the needs of hypoid transmissions. Hypoid gearboxes are curved-tooth, axle-shifted bevel gearboxes. They are used in vehicles with axle drives (mostly trucks) and place quite high demands on the lubricant.
