Transmission oil 75w90: description, characteristics, rating of the best

Any transmission oil, like motor oil, loses its properties over time and must be replaced. The choice of lubricants for gearboxes, transfer cases, and gearboxes is, of course, based on the recommendations of the car manufacturer, however, the market offers a lot of substitutes. They can be either more expensive or cheaper than the original ones, better or worse in terms of characteristics, and in order to choose a decent fluid and extend the life of the transmission, you need to understand at least the basic parameters of this product.

The main indicator of the applicability of a particular oil is considered to be viscosity, but the composition of the base (synthetic or mineral), the amount and composition of additives and, of course, compliance with the international standard SAE J306 are also important. The brand that produces the transmission product can also play a big role in your selection. However, in this regard, the user independently sets priorities, guided either by personal experience or feedback from the owners. It is on this principle that the best oils of 2021 were selected in each of the categories presented below.

More details on how to choose gear oil:

The best synthetic gear oils

The basis of any product dictates many characteristics. Synthetic transmission has greater fluidity compared to mineral water and semi-synthetics. It is recommended for use in manual transmissions, gearboxes and transfer cases of new cars or in cars with low mileage. This is due to the low degree of wear of bearings, shafts and seals. In the case of using synthetics in boxes with a mileage of 150-200 thousand, it is quite possible for an oil leak even if the unit is in full working order. Another advantage of synthetics is that their viscosity does not greatly depend on air temperature, so they can be considered all-season.

Types of oils

Box oil, like motor oil, comes in 3 main types: synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral.
It should be noted that when choosing a liquid, this is not the main selection criterion. The main attention should be paid to the viscosity of the oil with its relation to operating temperatures. Synthetic transmission fluids have greater fluidity, which, unlike mineral oil, does not depend on temperature. The same can be said about viscosity. Synthetics practically do not change their viscosity characteristics when the temperature changes, unlike mineral ones. Also, synthetic fluids are less susceptible to aging and oxidation.

Mineral oil creates an elastic oil film on surfaces that protects against wear and contamination. But it is more sensitive to temperature changes. At low temperatures, the fluid thickens, which puts additional load on the engine, which has to rotate the gearbox gears or driveshaft gearbox. As the oil warms up, these problems disappear.

However, if you choose the right oil based on the operating temperatures of the unit and the conditions in which it operates, both synthetic and mineral water will work equally well.

There is also an alternative - semi-synthetic gear oil. It combines the features of mineral water and synthetics, both positive and negative. Such fluids are universal and have good anti-friction and protective properties.

3MOTUL GEAR 300 75W-90

Designed for sports equipment Price: from RUB 1,387.00 Country of origin: France Rating (2021): 4.0

According to the American API oil specification, it complies with the GL-4/5 standard, and in addition, it fits into the military oil standard MIL-L-2105 D. When purchasing this oil, it is important to check the country of origin. The original oil is produced in France; other country codes on the label indicate a fake. This oil showed a high level of oil film resistance to loads, temperatures and high pressure. Shear loads, judging by authoritative tests, are reduced to zero. Unlike competitors, this oil has zero foaming.

pros

• Promotes smooth shifting and smooth operation of the gearbox even at very low temperatures
• Does not foam
• Review-proven anti-corrosion effect

Minuses

• High price, from $25 per liter

Characteristics of the best gear oils with viscosity 75W90

To determine which of the products are the best today, it is necessary to analyze the oil according to the following characteristics:

1. The ability of a product to provide resistance when moving. The oil must have positive qualities at all temperatures.
2. Behavior at temperature. Any oil used for lubrication must have a certain pour point or flash point. The ideal in such indicators is to have as large a gap between them as possible.
3. Attitude to heavy loads. The higher the value of this indicator, the higher the quality of the product.
4. Bully index. This indicator is not defined. One thing is clear, the higher this value, the better the product.
5. When welding occurs. According to GOST adopted in Russia, these figures must be at least 3000 N.
6. Wear ability. A similar indicator exists only for the GL-5 product, and its numbers should be less than 0.4 mm.

This list was compiled taking into account consumer opinion and analysis of test results:

1. According to these data, the oil produced for sports cars was recognized as the highest quality - Motul Gear 300 75W90 . The product has high values ​​for anti-seize, welding, and protective film strength without significantly affecting power.
2. The next places among oils are occupied by Castrol and Mobil . The first is an oil that is characterized by good cold fluidity and scuffing index. But it does not fully satisfy the requirements for possible wear.
3. Total Transmission SYN FE 75W-90 oil . It has decent indicators in terms of scuffing, but is not characterized by high-quality data on wear and density.
4. LIQUI MOLY Hypoid-Getriebeoil TDL 75W-90 GL-4/5 performed well . It has a good flow rate only at subzero temperatures. All other indicators are low.

The rest of the oils that are on sale today are not among the best, since they do not have characteristics that would fully meet all modern standards and requirements.

2Castrol Syntrax Longlife 75W-90

For heavy commercial vehicles Price: from 785.00 rub. Country of origin: Germany Rating (2021): 4.0

Castrol Syntrax Longlife for heavy duty manual transmissions and limited slip differentials. Fully complies with the requirements of the MIL-L-2105D standard (in the USA) and ZF TE-ML-05 (for Europe). Popular with BMW owners with manual transmission, regardless of the year of manufacture. When working with this product, oxidation of gearbox elements is practically eliminated, since the composition includes an effective anti-corrosion additive package. In terms of critical viscosity at low temperatures, it surpasses the American Mobil 1 75W-90 LS, but the latter has a richer composition and more effective lubrication characteristics.

pros

• Proven application in front and rear drive axles
• Full compliance with declared operating characteristics
• The only product from Castrol's synthetic range for manual transmissions with GL5 requirements

Minuses

• Not all GL-5 oils are safe for copper synchronizers
• High price (~$19 per liter)

Synthetic

Synthetic oil is made from synthesized raw materials. It shows high stability at all temperatures. However, production is associated with large expenses, which affects the cost.

HYUNDAI ATF SP-IV – Compatible with many automatic transmissions

HYUNDAI/KIA ATF SP-IV, as the name suggests, is designed for cars of these two brands. Suitable for Proton and Chery gearboxes. The product is saturated with a set of additives: depressants, dispersants and a detergent complex.

They effectively remove sludge deposits and protect against chipping and cracking. The formula shows high stability under temperature changes.

HYUNDAI/KIA ATF SP-IV prevents cavitation wear of parts. The oil is resistant to foaming, which increases the operating time of the units. Compatible with a variety of automatic transmissions and filtration devices.

Pros:

• unique complex of additives;
• resistance to sudden temperature changes;
• preventing wear of parts.

Minuses:

• high price.

ELF Tranself NFJ – Protects gear teeth under high loads

ELF Tranself NFJ is officially approved and recommended by the Renault brand for JXX, TL4 and NDX gearboxes. This fact, as well as high fluidity at low temperatures, paved the way for the oil to be included in the rating.

The formula has a stay-in-grade characteristic, which means stability throughout its entire service life. It solves the problem of extraneous noise when changing gears and spontaneous gear shifting.

A patented additive complex protects gear teeth even under extreme loads. The manufacturer promises ideal frictional and extreme pressure properties.

ELF Tranself NFJ is rust and corrosion free and meets API GL4+ specification. The manufacturer has other versions of oils, but this one is the most resistant to water.

Pros:

• Renault approved;
• does not change characteristics during service life;
• protects parts from damage;
• prolongs the life of the gearbox.

Minuses:

• price;
• a large number of fakes.

TOTAL Transmission Dual 9 FE 75W90 – Reduces fuel consumption, protects against corrosion

The main thing that distinguishes the TOTAL Transmission Dual 9 FE 75W90 from the rest is the reduction in fuel consumption and maintenance costs. The formula increases the replacement interval and saves the car owner’s budget.

Transmission oil 75w90 protects parts from corrosion and wear and has decent extreme pressure properties. The product is compatible with oil filters due to its anti-foaming properties.

TOTAL Transmission Dual 9 FE 75W90 is suitable for manual gearboxes, all types of transmissions with API MT-1, MIL-PRF-2105E, API GL-4, API GL-5 properties.

The product is recommended by global auto concerns: Mercedes-Benz, VOLVO, Renault TRACKS. It performs well in difficult conditions and has an extended replacement interval of up to 180,000 km.

Pros:

• economical;
• approved by car manufacturers;
• stable fluidity at different temperatures;
• compatible with oil filters.

Minuses:

• difficult to find in the store.

1ZIC GF TOP 75W-90

Universal option Price: from 621.00 rub. Country of Origin: Korea Rating (2021): 4.5

The most common viscosity in our latitudes is ZIC GF TOP 75W-90. In addition to these viscosity characteristics, ZIC GF TOP is available in a viscosity rating of 75W-85 and is best used in warmer climates. Its critical thickening temperature is -45 ˚С versus -47 degrees for 75W-90 oil. Meets GL4/GL5 standard requirements. Judging by user reviews, it reduces the noise level of gearboxes and axles in all-wheel drive SUVs and pickups. ZIC GF has recommendations from Hyundai and Kia, and can also be used in the corresponding transmission units of other budget cars.

pros

• Capable of efficient high pressure lubrication and high torque transmission
• Adequate price (within $9 per liter)
• Suitable for both synchronized and non-synchronized gearboxes

Minuses

• Not recommended for use on drive axles of commercial and off-road vehicles

3LUKOIL ATF

Universal all-season Price: from 360.00 rub. Country of origin: Russia Rating (2021): 4.0

Semi-synthetic fluid for automatic transmissions. According to the manufacturer, the all-season product LUKOIL ATF contains an improved package of antifriction additives and can be used both in automatic transmissions of passenger cars and in transmissions of trucks, special equipment and buses. Approved for BelAZ hydromechanical transmissions. According to user reviews, it does not tolerate mixing with other liquids, it can foam and lose its antioxidant stability.

pros

• Low price
• Minimal risk of encountering a fake

Minuses

• Low resource

Rating of transmission oils

To compile this rating, we analyzed many offers on the market, choosing from them the most worthy according to driver reviews. Before including a specific product in the TOP, the opinions of customers were carefully studied. Many factors were taken into account:

• Company manufacturer;
• Price;
• Oil type – mineral, synthetic or semi-synthetic (mixed);
• Viscosity grade;
• Anti-friction properties;
• Quality of lubrication of parts;
• Efficiency of preventing wear of working elements;
• Purpose - for which gearbox it was produced;
• Environmental friendliness of the composition;
• Are there any leaks?
• Reliable prevention of deposits and corrosion;
• Number of tolerances;
• Compliance with international quality standards;
• Volume;
• Savings in consumption.

The best antifreezes

2Neste Hypoidi S 75W-90 API

For year-round use Price: from 680.00 rub. Country of origin: Finland Rating (2021): 4.5

A small Finnish brand has produced excellent oil for manual transmissions and gearboxes. The semi-synthetic base ensures an acceptable price on the market, and a carefully selected additive package significantly reduces gearbox wear. Additives based on sulfur and phosphorus, as well as boron, are mainly used to improve anti-wear characteristics. One of the best semi-synthetic oils on the market in 2021.

pros

• Great for winter use
• Provides better wear protection than more expensive synthetics
• There are practically no fakes

Minuses

• Requires strict adherence to replacement regulations

1LIQUI MOLY Hypoid-Getriebeoil TDL

Provides wear reduction Price: from 900.00 rub. Country of origin: Germany Rating (2021): 5.0

This is the most common oil from the company's semi-synthetic line. It is used in almost all possible mechanisms - in hypoid gears, synchronized and unsynchronized gearboxes, any gearboxes, and can also be used in highly loaded gears of heavy commercial equipment. Complies with API requirements of both GL4 and GL5, which allows it to be used in most modern equipment.

pros

• Universal gear oil, used in all drives without restrictions
• Received approval from ZF, MAN, Volvo

Minuses

• Not detected

2LIQUI MOLY Getriebeoil 85W-90

Used in any type of transmission Price: from 575.00 rub. Country of origin: Germany Rating (2021): 4.0

High-quality mineral oil for use in automotive transmissions with API GL4 approvals. Poured into drive axles with and without a locked differential. Judging by user reviews, LIQUI MOLY Getriebeoil has shown excellent performance under severe operating conditions and does not affect oil seals, gaskets and seals. Forms a high-quality oil film, practically does not oxidize, and is resistant to high pressure.

pros

• Does not damage oil seals and seals
• Great resource
• One of the cheapest mineral oils in the line

Minuses

• Not detected

1Total 75W80 BV

High starting properties Price: from 395.00 rub. Country of origin: France Rating (2021): 4.5

One of the best mineral oils for front-wheel drive cars in the budget segment. The viscosity index allows the use of Total 75W80 BV even in severe frost. It has proven to be reliable and does not require replacement throughout its entire service life. The oil film formed as a result of operation is quite strong and reliably protects gearbox elements from wear. Total 75W80 BV also has high oxidation resistance, low foaming and good retention of properties.

pros

• The price/quality ratio is one of the best in the segment
• Stable operation at low temperatures
• Does not oxidize, does not foam

Minuses

• Not found

Mineral

Mineral oils occupy the largest share of the market. This is not surprising: they are budget-friendly. At the same time, a dense film is formed, protecting parts from wear.

The main advantage is the high solubility of additives. However, mineral waters are highly dependent on temperature and thicken quickly. The rating below will tell you which product is best to choose.

MOBIL ATF 220 – Best for older car models

Mobil ATF 220 is most often used in cars produced before 1994. It reliably protects machine parts under different driving conditions. The product ensures proper operation of the transmission and supports anti-wear functions.

Base oils are supplemented with special additives: antioxidant and anti-foam. Mobil ATF 220 has a decent viscosity index. The lubricant has been on the market for a long time, its quality has been proven by time.

The fluid is used as a hydraulic fluid in some systems and power steering. It increases the life of the transmission and provides lubrication at low temperatures. Prevents the formation of sludge and varnish deposits, makes it easier to start the machine.

This is a reliable assistant in difficult driving conditions. Changes in the smoothness of gearbox shifting are felt.

Pros:

• maintains proper operation of parts;
• suitable for old cars;
• does not thicken at low temperatures.

Minuses:

• not found.

ENEOS GEAR GL-5 75W90 – Retains fluidity in severe frosts

ENEOS GEAR GL-5 75W90 is suitable for manual transmissions, range multipliers, transfer gearboxes, and mechanical winch transmissions. It is approved for use on parts that require API GL-5 oil.

The product is considered an all-season product and provides stable viscosity over a wide temperature range. It performed well in winter. The oil protects gears from wear and jamming and prevents rust formation. Does not create foam.

ENEOS GEAR GL 5 75W90 supports parts under heavy loads, for example at high speeds.

The manufacturer offers oils with different viscosities; you can find a product for the ambient temperature. The rating includes the most popular drug, which has earned recognition for its cold flow properties and protection of gear parts.

Pros:

• withstands very low temperatures;
• protects parts from overloads;
• applicable at any time of the year.

Minuses:

• difficult to find in the store.

LUKOIL TM-4 80W-90 – Stable, highly purified oil

LUKOIL TM-4 SAE 80W-90 is suitable for passenger cars, special equipment and commercial vehicles. All-season oil is produced on the basis of highly purified components. Effective additives improve properties. The product is created for mechanical boxes that meet the API GL-4 class.

LUKOIL TM-4 SAE 80W-90 earned its place in the list of the best thanks to its high anti-wear and extreme pressure characteristics. Although the product is considered budgetary, it significantly increases the service life of transmission components.

Suitable for work under high loads, extreme temperatures. It has thermal-oxidative stability and anti-foam properties.

Pros:

• high-quality components and additives;
• increases the service life of parts;
• Suitable for use in cold weather.

Minuses:

• relatively short replacement interval.

1Lukoil TM-5 85W-90

Excellent anti-friction characteristics Price: from 140.00 rub. Country of origin: Russia Rating (2021): 4.5

Lukoil TM-5 was developed in accordance with the requirements of AvtoVAZ, and also complies with API GL-5 and ZF TE-ML 16B, 17B, 19B, 21A. Manufactured on a highly purified mineral base using an optimal package of foreign-made additives. Can be used in both manual transmissions and drive axles. Suitable for use in extreme continental climates, as well as in high mountain areas. The pour point is not higher than -30 ˚С. Lukoil TM-5 showed high thermal-oxidative stability and compatibility with materials of oil seals, seals and gaskets.

pros

• High lubricating and extreme pressure properties
• Does not foam, does not cause corrosion
• Optimal viscosity characteristics

Minuses

• Not recommended for use in gearboxes with synchronizers made of non-ferrous metals

Classification by API

API is one of the most common classifications of oils for both engines and transmissions. According to the standard, lubricants are divided into the following classes:

• GL-1 - all liquids that do not have additives, usually they are mineral based. The base may only contain antioxidant additives. There are no anti-seize components. The products are suitable for mechanisms operating at minimum speeds and loads.
• GL-2 differs from the previous version by a more durable film, provides better glide, and may include anti-friction components.
• GL-3 contains quite a lot of additives; they are used for steering mechanisms, for old-type step boxes, mechanisms operating at low speeds and light loads.
• GL-4 – high additive content. Contains anti-seize components. Reviews from motorists indicate that such lubricants are suitable for manual transmissions provided the engine torque is low.
• GL-5 is used for boxes experiencing heavy loads. An important component is a sulfur-phosphorus additive, which is needed for scuffing inside the system.
• GL-6. Used in mechanisms that may experience shock loads, sulfur-phosphorus additives are contained in increased volumes, but are rarely used in new cars.

Modern vehicles are usually filled with SAE 75W90 GL-4 lubricant, less often GL-5. If compared with the Russian standard, the analogue will be marked VTM-4 and TM-5; you can select the universal material GL-4/5. This 75W90 synthetic gear oil is suitable for most vehicles, both passenger cars and light trucks.

The best gear oil for NIVA

Experienced owners of all-wheel drive VAZ cars recommend pouring different oils into the axle gearbox, transfer case and gearbox. This is due to the fact that almost all modern gear oils contain sulfur-phosphorus additives. They improve lubrication characteristics, do not cause corrosion of the crankcase and transmission shafts, but over time they destroy the copper synchronizers of the Nivov gearbox.

This is a rather lengthy process and can last up to 8-10 thousand kilometers, after which the clarity of gear shifting disappears, and other malfunctions are possible due to incorrect operation of the synchronizers. Therefore, for the Niva gearbox it is better to use transmission fluids that meet the API GL4 or GL4+ standard.

1Lukoil TM-5 75W-90

Protects against scuffing Price: from RUB 325.00 Country of origin: Russia Rating (2021): 4.5

An inexpensive domestic product based on semi-synthetic components with a package of effective additives. Optimally suitable for hypoid gears of drive axles and Niva transfer cases. Recommended for use at outdoor temperatures down to -38 °C. Complies with API GL5 standard.

pros

• High extreme pressure properties
• Antifoam additive package
• Excellent cold engine start at sub-zero temperatures

Minuses

• Destroys copper synchronizers on manual transmissions

How to choose gear oil for a car?

When choosing gear oil, you must be guided primarily by the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer. As a rule, the owner's manual will indicate the preferred type of gear oil, performance class, viscosity, and sometimes brand. However, the recommended oil may not always correspond to the preferences of the car owner. It is highly undesirable to use lubricants with other performance properties, and everyone can choose the brand of oil and viscosity both according to price and personal preferences.

Performance properties, what are they?

All transmission fluids are classified not only by the chemical composition of the base (mineral, synthetic, semi-synthetic), but also by the type of mechanism in which they operate - worm gears, spur gears, hypoid gearboxes. The generally accepted API classification divides all oils into six main groups, GL1-GL6.

In addition, there are oils for highly loaded transmissions with increased thermal stability (MT1), as well as oils with improved compatibility with elastomers, this is category PG2 and these oils are used in commercial trucks. The most widely used liquids are categories GL4 and GL5, as well as oils with improved characteristics GL4+, GL5+. All this information should be in the service book or vehicle operating instructions.

Comparison of viscosity of typical 75w-85 and 5w-40

A comparison of viscosity indicators for MM 5w-40 and TM 75w-85 is shown in the table.

As can be seen from the table, 5w-40 has higher DV and HF indicators than 75w-85. If you roughly estimate the density as the ratio of DV to HF, then for 5w-40 it will be higher. This means that 5w-40 will be thicker.

Thus, the statement that transmission oils are more viscous than motor oils is a myth. MM and TM have different conditions of use: motor lubrication operates under constant heating, and transmission lubrication operates under constant friction. Hence the different requirements for their properties. An attempt to use motor fluid instead of transmission fluid and vice versa leads to breakdowns of vital components of the car.