Automotive and industrial gear lubrication
Gear oils selected for load, speed and equipment design.
Explore the LubeMax gear oil range for automotive driveline, enclosed industrial gearing and specialised worm-gear requirements across demanding Nigerian and regional operations.
Understand the category
Automotive and industrial gear oils are not interchangeable.
Gear oil selection begins by identifying the gearset and the grading system. Automotive axle and driveline oils commonly use SAE viscosity grades, while enclosed industrial gear oils commonly use ISO VG grades. Similar-looking numbers do not mean the same viscosity or application.
| Application context | Grade system | Selection factors | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive axles and differentials | SAE gear-oil grade | Axle design, load, speed, temperature and stated performance requirement | Incorrect friction or performance characteristics can affect protection and operation |
| Manual transmissions and driveline components | Equipment-specific SAE or OEM requirement | Transmission design, synchroniser materials, seals and lubricant requirement | An axle oil is not automatically suitable for a synchronised transmission |
| Enclosed industrial gears | ISO VG grade | Gear type, pitch-line speed, load, temperature, contamination and metallurgy | Grade choice must reflect operating viscosity and equipment design |
| Worm gears | ISO VG and compatible chemistry | Worm-wheel materials, sliding action, temperature and OEM requirement | Some chemistries may be unsuitable for certain yellow-metal components |
| Heavy shock-loaded service | Application-specific requirement | Load, shock, speed, condition monitoring and maintenance practice | A higher viscosity alone does not prove better protection |
LubeMax product range
A structured range for driveline, enclosed gears and worm gears.
Use the product name and grade as the starting point, then confirm the application and equivalent performance requirements in the current LubeMax TDS.
LubeMax HI-Gear Max 85W-140
High-viscosity automotive gear-oil grade for evaluation against the equipment requirement and duty cycle.
View product →LubeMax HI-Gear Max 80W-90
Automotive SAE gear-oil grade for responsible driveline and axle evaluation.
View product →LubeMax Gear Max 80W-90
SAE 80W-90 product in the LubeMax Gear Max range.
View product →LubeMax Gear Max 80W-140
SAE 80W-140 product in the LubeMax Gear Max range.
View product →LubeMax SYN GearMax 220
ISO VG 220 product for evaluation in suitable enclosed industrial gear applications.
View product →LubeMax SYN WormGear 460
ISO VG 460 product for specialised worm-gear evaluation using the current TDS.
View product →LubeMax Gear 68
ISO VG 68 product in the LubeMax industrial gear-oil range.
View product →LubeMax Gear 680
ISO VG 680 product for slow-speed or high-viscosity requirements where confirmed by equipment guidance.
View product →LubeMax Gear 220
ISO VG 220 product for evaluation across appropriate enclosed gear systems.
View product →
Application planning
Five questions before selecting a gear oil.
A correct recommendation depends on more than a viscosity number. Gather the equipment and service information before choosing a candidate.
- Is the application automotive, industrial or a specialised worm-gear system?
- What exact SAE, ISO VG, OEM or industry requirement appears in the manual?
- What are the load, speed, operating temperature and duty cycle?
- Are yellow metals, seals or friction-sensitive components involved?
- Is a changeover, flush, compatibility review or oil analysis required?
Where selection matters
Match the lubricant to the equipment and duty.
Product choice should reflect the component, operating environment, maintenance practice and consequences of an incorrect recommendation.
Axles and differentials
Match the required SAE grade and equivalent performance requirement to the exact axle and duty.
Enclosed gearboxes
Consider gear type, ISO VG grade, load, speed, temperature and contamination control.
Heavy-duty gearing
Evaluate shock loading, dust, water exposure, maintenance access and condition monitoring.
Worm and specialised drives
Confirm chemistry, metallurgy, sliding contact and the equipment manufacturer’s requirement.
Responsible specifications
Equivalent performance is not formal approval.
LubeMax products do not currently carry API approval, licensing or certification. Any API, OEM or industry reference describes equivalent performance to the stated requirement unless the current product TDS expressly identifies a formal approval.
Technical documents
Use current product information.
Request the exact document for the product and grade being evaluated. Never substitute one product’s data sheet for another product with a similar name.
Technical Data Sheet
Applications, benefits, equivalent performance references and typical characteristics.
Safety Data Sheet
Safe handling, storage, exposure control and emergency information.
Product Selection
Support for equipment requirements, mixed fleets, unusual duty or changeover questions.
Frequently asked questions
Gear oil selection questions.
Can I use an automotive gear oil in an industrial gearbox?
Not by assumption. Automotive and industrial gear oils use different grading systems and may have different chemistry and performance requirements.
Is SAE 90 the same as ISO VG 90?
No. SAE and ISO VG are different viscosity-classification systems and the numbers cannot be treated as direct equivalents.
Does a higher viscosity always provide better protection?
No. Excessive viscosity can increase heat, energy loss and poor circulation. Use the grade required for the equipment and operating temperature.
Can gear oils be mixed?
Mixing should not be assumed safe. Review chemistry, viscosity, compatibility, contamination and the changeover procedure.
What information is needed for a gear-oil recommendation?
Provide the equipment, component, current lubricant, required grade or specification, operating temperature, load, speed and reason for change.
Are LubeMax gear oils API approved?
LubeMax products do not currently carry API approval, licensing or certification. Any API, OEM or industry reference describes equivalent performance.
Where can I obtain a TDS?
Request the exact product and grade through the LubeMax Technical Resources centre.
Do LubeMax gear oils have SON approval?
All LubeMax products have SON approvals except where the current TDS clearly states “Pending approval.”
Technical and commercial support
Need the correct gear oil for a fleet, plant or heavy-equipment application?
Send the equipment, current lubricant, required grade, operating conditions and desired pack size. LubeMax will help identify the information needed for a responsible selection.