API classification GL-5+ and GL-5 LS?

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Jun 26, 2003
Messages
669
Location
LA (Lower Alabama)
Are there official API classifications of GL-5+ and GL-5 LS?

The Wikipedia source suggests so. I have never seen it anywhere else.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gear_oil

"API GL-5. Oils for severe conditions. They contain up to 6.5% effective anti-scuffing additives. The general application of oils in this class are for hypoid gears having significant displacement of axes, generally non limited-slip differentials. They are recommended as universal oils to all other units of mechanical transmission (except synchronized gearboxes specifying GL-4). Some GL-5 oils in this class, which have special approval of vehicle manufacturers, can be used in synchronized manual gearboxes. API GL-5 oils can be used in limited slip differentials only if they correspond to the requirements of specification MIL-L-2105D or ZF TE-ML-05. In this case the designation of class will be another, for example API GL-5+ or API GL-5 LS."
 
Mobil1 gear oil can be bought with the LS stamped on the front of the bottle. I don't know if that means it is an API spec or not. It may just be Mobil's way of saying it has a limited slip additive.
 
LS = Limited Slip or Low Sulfur??? Just about every automotive GL-5 gear oil already contains the limited slip additive. Mobil sez: Excellent rust, staining and corrosion protection of copper and its alloys. Helps to reduce wear. Long component life That might be due to a low sulfur formulation.
 
LS means its friction modified for limited slip clutch type differentials and you usually dont need to use an additional additive. It does NOT mean low sulfur.

API gl-5+ is a generic term meaning exceeds api gl-5

its not an official API anything.

there are 3 specific applications for gear oil all of which work best with different friction.


you have the API gl-5 MT application example- subaru MT's

you have regular differential application--by for the most common..example truck axles.

and you have the limited slip clutch type differential.

other types of Limited Slip/"positraction" axles dont require special friction modifiers.
 
There actually used to be a GL-6 rating years ago.

I believe that the API is thinking about bringing it back soon.
21.gif
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom