Fuel economy of multigrade gear lubricants

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