Fuel economy of multigrade gear lubricants

摘要

The paper discusses the setup of a light duty axle efficiency test in evaluating gear lubricants for their fuel economy performance. Data collected with an internal reference oil highlight the repeatability of the test in different axles. Comparisons between single grade SAE 90 to multigrade gear lubricants were made under a variety of pinion torques and speeds to simulate highway and city driving conditions. A discussion of lubricant rheology and its importance to maintaining film strength for adequate bearing and gear lubrication for optimum torque efficiency and axle temperature is provided.