LubriMatic gear lube

[Falcon_LS]

I have a habit of changing all fluids at the 25,000 mile mark, and this includes differential fluids (front and rear). My manual calls for 80W-90, conforming to GL-5 specifications.

I used to use Motorcraft Rear Axle Lubricant (80W-90) GL-5, which I could get for $5 a quart. For whatever reason, I couldn't find it anywhere this time round. The alternative was GM Vehicle Care or ACDelco GL-5 80W-90, but I wasn't paying $9.75 per quart for that stuff...especially when it isn't synthetic.

I went to Ace Hardware, and I found something called High-Performance Gear Lube 80W-90 EP (Extreme Pressure additives). Conforms to GL-5 and some US Military Specifications. It's called LubriMatic, and is made by Plews/Edelmann of the Gates Group Company. For $4.95 per quart, I picked up 5. Just wondering if anybody here has used this before, and what they thought of it.

 

[Johnny]

It's okay, not the best by a long shot, but it will probably work for 25K.

 

[Falcon_LS]

Thanks for the response. If it'll work ok for 25k, then it should do this time around. What do you look for in a differential fluid to determine how good it is though?

 

[Johnny]

Mainly look at the spec sheet which is hard to come by at Plews. Here are the specs of a good mineral gear oil 80W-90.

http://www.le-inc.com/products/documents/0703-0704_tdb.pdf

Actually this would be a great gear oil for your application where you are at. But you probably can't get it over there.

What brands of gear oils do you have access to over there?

 

[Falcon_LS]

Thanks again. Yes, I definitely had a hard time finding a specifications sheet. There are quite a few gear oils, available in various viscosities actually, majority of which are mineral based: ACDelco, GM Vehicle Care, Mopar, Motorcraft, Gulf, Esso, Total, Fuchs, Liqui-Moly, BP, Mobil (mineral-based), Elf and Agip to name a few foreign ones. Then you have own brands from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus, VW, Toyota, etc. Quite a few local brands as well, such as Q8 Oils.

I personally prefer Motorcraft, but ended up buying this stuff when I couldn't find it. I found the rest of the stuff to be way overpriced for what they are, and prefer to stick with one imported from Europe or the US. Majority of foreign brands are produced in the UAE and I'm kind of doubtful. I could be wrong, so call me anal...but I just like the idea of peace of mind with the imported oils.

 

[aquariuscsm]

My car specs an 80W90 GL5 as well and I use Amsoil 80W80 GL5 Gear Lube. You can always give that a shot.

 

[Falcon_LS]

How long before you change it? If it lasts 50,000 miles or somewhere along those lines, maybe I can buy it online and import it here.

 

[Johnny]

Falcon, any of those gear oils you listed above should be able to handle 50,000 miles.

 

[Falcon_LS]

That's good to hear! The main reason I change it at the 25,000 mark is because I find I have to top it up at that point (usually half the capacity), and I figure I might as well drain and pour in fresh oil. Maybe a straight 145W would be a better option for 50,000 miles in this case.

 

[Johnny]

At 25K you have to add half the capacity of gear oil. Where is it going? Do you have a seal leaking somewhere?

What gear oil (vis) does the owners manual call for on this vehicle?

 

[Falcon_LS]

It calls for 80W-90, and there are no leaks at all. Wasn't really given any explanation for it when I asked the dealer's service centre either.

 

[Johnny]

Well, if it's not leaking, maybe they did not fill it up when they serviced it. Gear oil does not just disappear for no reason. I would have a long talk with the service center.

 

[Falcon_LS]

Exactly! Did it myself this time round, and will be keeping an eye on it.

 

[azsynthetic]

When I was in Kuwait back in '91 for the war we had the same problem with several newly bought Mitsubishi SUVs. The lost fluid is due to evaporation lost. Driving off road fully loaded with cargo and three spare tires in a 120-130F heat took a serious toll on the differential and engine fluids. The mineral differential fluid and engine oil do not last very long in those condition.

 

[Falcon_LS]

Thank you for sharing this, definitely has to be the same issue. I'm beginning to think a thicker differential fluid is the best way forward, or a quality synthetic.

 

[Johnny]

If that's the case, then a good synthetic would be the way to go for sure.