UNDERSTANDING GEAR OILS

MANUAL GEAR / DIFFERENTIAL

SPECIAL PROPERTIES FOR MANUAL SAE J306 (Jun 2005) Gear Oils
SAE Max Temperature for a Viscosity @ 100°C
GEAR / DIFFERENTIAL OILS Grade
70W
Viscosity of 150,000cP
-55
Min cSt
4.1
Max cSt
NA
75W -40 4.1 NA
• Capable of providing an easy gearshift for the life of 80W -26 7.0 NA
the oil drain. This is a function of both friction modifiers 85W -12 11.0 NA
80 NA 7.0 <11.0
and viscosity. 85 NA 11.0 <13.5
90 NA 13.5 <18.5
• Maintain long clutch life and prevent seal leaks. 110 NA 18.5 <24.0
140 NA 24.0 <32.5
• Must protect against pitting, spalling, scoring and 190 NA 32.5 <41.0
scuffing caused by the large shear loads placed on 250 NA 41.0 NA
NOTE: Limit must also be met after testing in 20 hour KRL Shear Stability Test
the oil by the gear set. (CEC-L45-T-93 Method C).

• Protect against copper corrosion. Older technologies

were not kind to copper alloys and used to turn them HOW DOES A MANUAL
black via chemical attack. Most modern hypoid oils TRANSMISSION WORK?
do not tend to do this due to advances in technologies.
A manual transmission consists of a set of gears along
• Limited slip oils must enable the cone or clutch to
a pair of shafts, the input shaft and output shaft. The
work properly when distributing power to the drive
gears on one shaft engage with those on the other shaft.
wheels. As such, they contain a special friction
The resulting ratio between the gear selected on the
modifier to achieve this. It should be noted that oils
input shaft and the gear engaged on the output shaft
designed for use in limited slip differentials can be
determines the overall gear ratio for that “gear.” Gears
used in standard hypoid differentials.
in a manual transmission are selected by moving a
shift lever, which engages a linkage that controls the
GEAR OIL DESIGNATION movement of the gears along the input shaft. Moving
AND DESCRIPTION the lever forward or rearward chooses between the two
gears available on a given linkage; cars with four gears,
For gear oils, API has the following GL (Gear Load)
or speeds, use two linkages; cars with five or six speeds
classifications:
use three linkages. The driver changes between linkages
GL-1 Oil without EP additive. by moving the shift lever left and right.
Gear
GL-2 Usually contains fatty materials. Selector
GL-3 Contains a mild EP additive. Fork

GL-4 Equivalent to MIL-L-2105B and is usually 1 2 3 4 5 R

satisfied by a 50% GL-5 additive level.
GL-5 Equivalent to MIL-PRF-2105E. Primary field
service recommendation for Passenger cars FROM TO
ENGINE DIFFERENTIAL
and trucks worldwide.
GL-6 For severe service involving high offset hypoid
gears. Often used to describe oils used in limited Idler
Gear
slip differentials. (Obsolete now)
MT-1 For non-synchronised manual transmissions
in buses and trucks at a higher level than GL-4.
MIL-PRF-2105E Designed by the US military, it takes Layshaft
conventional GL-5 and adds more To engage a gear in a manual transmission, the clutch
demands to the specification. Most pedal is pressed, disconnecting the engine from the
hypoid oils conform to this standard. input shaft of the transmission. This frees the gears on
Now superseded by SAE J2360 (2003). the input shaft (Layshaft) to move, so when the engine
is sending torque through the input shaft, the gears on
it are engaged. Once the clutch has disconnected the
power from the engine to the transmission, the user
selects the appropriate gear (i.e. first, third, reverse).
Both the input shaft gear and the output shaft gear need
to be spinning at the same speed to avoid clashing of
the gears during engagement. Synchroniser rings are
used to allow the two gears to spin at the same speed
before engagement, preventing clashing of the gear sets.
Once the clutch is released, engine power is re-engaged
to the input shaft propelling the vehicle with the selected
gear ratio.
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MANUAL GEAR / DIFFERENTIAL Other types of Manual Transmission include: TYPES OF DIFFERENTIAL:
Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) - A manual Open Differential (The most basic differential):
transmission where shifting and clutch operation is done
• Under good traction, it applies the same torque to
by hydraulic or electric actuators under electronic
both wheels.
control. Dual Clutch Transmissions (DCT) allow shifting
without torque interruption. This is achieved through • However when traction is poor and one wheel slips
employing 2 clutches and an additional countershaft. on ice or mud, the slipping wheel will receive all the
torque whilst the other wheel receives none, even
WHAT IS A DUAL CLUTCH though it does have grip.
TRANSMISSION? Limited Slip Differentials are better suited in poor
traction conditions:
A Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) is effectively two
gearboxes in one. Two clutches to eliminate shift • Similar to open differentials but they have clutch
shock - one closes as the other opens. packs inside the differential carrier, which apply
friction between the side gears and the carrier.
Sophisticated electronics and hydraulics control the
clutches, just as they do in a standard automatic • T he friction from the clutches encourages the
transmission. In a DCT, however, the clutches operate side gears to turn at the same speed as the
independently. One clutch controls the “odd” gears, differential carrier.
while the other controls the “even” gears. Using this • When torque is applied under slippery conditions,
arrangement, gears can be changed without interrupting friction from the clutch packs prevents the wheel
the power flow from the engine to the transmission. with little traction from spinning wildly and ensures
The gear shafts have constantly meshed gears and that some torque is transmitted to the other wheel
synchronisers, so the driving style is very much like a which has grip.
conventional automatic transmission.
Locking differentials contain a mechanism to fully
Some DCTs use a wet clutch system and some use a lock both halves of the axle at the same speed:
dry clutch system – so slightly different oils are required.
• M ust not be locked on a hard surface, but quite
Advantages: common to improve traction in heavy trucks, especially
• No torque loss or limitation. in poor weather conditions and off-road applications.
• Overcomes “shift shock” associated with the more • Locking differentials may be automatically activated
conventional automated manual transmissions. (when the difference in wheel speeds reaches a
given point) or driver-actuated.
• Fuel efficiency: +15% vs 5-speed stepped
automatic transmissions.
• Uses existing manual transmission
manufacturing facilities.
• Better acceleration than a manual transmission.
• Handles higher torque loads than CVTs.
• Size.
Torque Sensing or Torsen® differentials:
The most common DCT at the time of writing is a six
• These tend to be complex arrangements of spur,
speed unit used by the Volkswagen group. They call it
helical and/or bevel gears, which prevent extreme
a DSG transmission. VW also have a seven speed DSG
differences in wheel speeds, therefore maintaining
and all are now called S-Tronic. It is felt that these will
useful traction at each wheel all the time.
become widely used and across a wide range of vehicles.
High performance vehicles made by Ferrari, Mercedes • They do not use clutches or electronics, so are both
Benz, Nissan and BMW (large capacity, high output reliable and durable, and are used in many rear, front
engines) also have DCTs. and centre differentials.

Transfer cases manage the power split between front

HOW DOES A DIFFERENTIAL WORK? and rear axles or axle pairs, in vehicles with more than
The wheels are connected to the differential unit via one drive axle:
half shafts. Power from the transmission drives the • Transfer cases can be any of the above mentioned
pinion gear which in turn drives the ring gear. The types, or can be a viscous coupling similar to a torque
ring gear is connected to 1 or 2 pairs of smaller bevel converter in operation.
gears (known as spider gears), and ultimately power
is transferred to the wheels. It is these smaller bevel Limited slip differentials with electronic control:
gears that form the heart of the differential unit: A Similar to Limited Slip differentials with clutch packs
mechanical device that detects when one wheel is to prevent slipping of one wheel. The friction of the
turning faster than the other, and uses the spider gears clutches is controlled externally using sensors at the
to absorb the different speeds of both wheels and allow wheels to detect slipping. The hydraulic pressure
smooth cornering. needed for the clutches is electronically controlled.
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 MANUAL GEAR / DIFFERENTIAL
MANUAL GEAR / DIFFERENTIAL
Penrite has three categories of Manual Gear / Differential oils:

PRO GEAR: Penrite’s range of performance automotive gear oils include full synthetics, manufactured
utilising a special combination of synthetic base oils with an advanced additive system, as well as a
premium mineral oil, to provide performance and protection under severe service. Suitable for use in
manual gearboxes, transaxles, transfer cases and differentials.

TRANS GEAR: Penrite’s range of semi synthetic automotive gear oils are manufactured from a blend
of highly refined base oils, the latest technology additives, friction enhancers and an advanced viscosity
modifier. Suitable for use in manual gearboxes, transaxles, transfer cases and differentials.

GEAR OIL: Penrite’s range of premium mineral automotive gear oils are manufactured with modern
extreme pressure additives and friction modifiers. This new formulation allows the one range of gear
oil to be used in both Limited Slip and Hypoid type differentials, eliminating the need for multiple
products. Can also be used in some manual gearboxes, transaxles and transfer cases.

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 Pro Gear 70W-75
MANUAL GEAR / DIFFERENTIAL

Product Pack Carton Base Oil: Full Synthetic Viscosity: 70W-75

Code Size Qty Colour: Amber
PROG7075001 1 Litre 6 Key Specifications: API GL-4 Plus, ZF TE-ML 11 (manual),
PROG70750025 2.5 Litres 4 MTF BOT 338, Tremec (T-56)
PROG7075020 20 Litres 1 Application: Manual Gearboxes, Transfer Cases, Transaxles
PROG7075060 60 Litres 1 Penrite Pro Gear 70W-75 is a premium full synthetic, high
PROG7075205 205 Litres 1 performance gear oil, manufactured from a blend of synthetic
base oils including ester. It uses the latest technology, purpose
designed additives for long service life and meets the performance
requirements of API GL-4 Plus as well as many other manufacturer
specifications. It has very fast flow at start up for slick gear shifts.
Ideal in many manual gearboxes and transfer cases where the
manufacturer originally specified automatic transmission fluids.

Pro Gear 75W-85

Product Pack Carton Base Oil: Full Synthetic Viscosity: 75W-85
Code Size Qty Replacement Viscosities: 80W-85, SAE 80 Colour: Amber
PROG7585001 1 Litre 6 Key Specifications: API GL-4 Plus, GM 12346190, MB 235.10/235.4,
PROG75850025 2.5 Litres 4 Chrysler MS 9224, ZF TE-ML 01/02/08, BTR 5M-42, MAN 341
PROG7585020 20 Litres 1 Application: Manual Gearboxes, Transfer Cases, Transaxles
PROG7585060 60 Litres 1 Penrite Pro Gear 75W-85 is a premium full synthetic, manual
PROG7585205 205 Litres 1 gearbox oil manufactured from a blend of carefully selected
synthetic base oils. It uses the latest technology, purpose
designed additives for long service life and excellent load
carrying capacity. It contains a unique viscosity modifier for
stay-in-grade performance for the life of the drain. It meets
the performance requirements of API GL-4 Plus as well as many
manufacturer requirements.

Pro Gear GL-5 75W-85 NEW

Product Pack Carton Base Oil: Full Synthetic Viscosity: 75W-85
Code Size Qty Replacement Viscosities: SAE 80 Colour: Amber
PROGL5001 1 Litre 6 Key Specifications: API GL-5
PROGL50025 2.5 Litres 4 Application: Hypoid & Limited Slip Differentials, Transaxles
PROGL5020 20 Litres 1 Penrite Pro Gear GL-5 75W-85 is a premium full synthetic,
gear oil optimised for use in differentials and transaxles that
specifically require the use of an API GL-5, SAE 75W-85, low
viscosity gear oil. It is manufactured with a blend of carefully
selected synthetic base oils and purpose designed additives for
long service life and excellent load carrying ability. It meets the
performance requirements of API GL-5.

Pro Gear 75W-90

Product Pack Carton Base Oil: Full Synthetic Viscosity: 75W-90
Code Size Qty Replacement Viscosities: 80W-90, SAE 90 Colour: Amber
PROG7590001 1 Litre 6 Key Specifications: API GL-5/GL-6/MT-1, MIL-L-2105D,
PROG75900025 2.5 Litres 4 BTR 5M-50, ZF TE ML-01/02/05/07/08
PROG7590020 20 Litres 1 Application: Hypoid & Limited Slip Differentials,
PROG7590060 60 Litres 1 Manual Gearboxes, Transaxles
Penrite Pro Gear 75W-90 is a premium full synthetic, heavy duty
gear oil that uses a special combination of synthetic base oils
which include PAO & Ester, with an advanced additive system to
provide ultimate performance and protection under all operating
conditions. It meets the performance requirements of API GL-5/
GL-6/MT-1 as well as many other manufacturer specifications.
Suitable for use in both hypoid and limited slip differentials.
No further addition of Limslip Additive is recommended. It is
pre-dosed with the correct amount and any further addition
may result in seal degradation.

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Pro Gear 80W-140

MANUAL GEAR / DIFFERENTIAL

Product Pack Carton Base Oil: Full Synthetic Viscosity: 80W-140
Code Size Qty Replacement Viscosities: 75W-140,85W-140,SAE140 Colour: Amber
PROG80140001 1 Litre 6 Key Specifications: API GL-5/GL-6/MT-1,
PROG801400025 2.5 Litres 4 MIL-L-PRF-2105E, Ford M2C190-A
PROG80140020 20 Litres 1 Application: Hypoid & Limited Slip Differentials,
PROG80140060 60 Litres 1 Manual Gearboxes, Transaxles
PROG80140205 205 Litres 1 Penrite Pro Gear 80W-140 is a premium full synthetic, heavy duty
gear oil that uses a special combination of synthetic base oils
which include PAO & Ester, with an advanced additive system to
provide ultimate performance and protection under all operating
conditions. It meets the performance requirements of API GL-5/
GL-6/MT-1 as well as many other manufacturer specifications.
Suitable for use in both hypoid and limited slip differentials.
No further addition of Limslip Additive is recommended. It is
pre-dosed with the correct amount and any further addition
may result in seal degradation.

Pro Gear 85W-110

Product Pack Carton Base Oil: Premium Mineral Viscosity: 85W-110
Code Size Qty Replacement Viscosities: 80W-90, SAE 90 Colour: Amber
PROG85110001 1 Litre 6 Key Specifications: API GL-5, US Steel 224, AGMA 250.04 (No 6),
PROG851100025 2.5 Litres 4 Harley Trans Oil 99892-84, China National GB 13895-1992
Application: Hypoid Differentials, Manual Gearboxes, Transaxles
Penrite Pro Gear 85W-110 is a premium mineral, heavy duty
gear oil formulated with a special, highly effective extreme
pressure additive system to provide ultimate performance
and protection under all operating conditions. It meets the
performance requirements of API GL-5 as well as many other
manufacturer specifications. Suitable for use in Harley Davidson
FL/FX series transmissions.

Trans Gear 75W-80

Product Pack Carton Base Oil: Semi Synthetic Viscosity: 75W-80
Code Size Qty Colour: Amber
TG7580001 1 Litre 6 Key Specifications: API GL-4 Plus, ZF TE-ML 02D, Chrysler MS 9224,
TG75800025 2.5 Litres 4 Land Rover MTF 94, MB 235.10, Honda MTF 7289
TG7580020 20 Litres 1 Application: Manual Gearboxes, Transfer Cases, Transaxles
TG7580060 60 Litres 1 Penrite Trans Gear 75W-80 is a premium performance, semi
TG7580205 205 Litres 1 synthetic manual gearbox oil. It uses the latest technology,
purpose designed additives for long service life and contains
a unique viscosity modifier for enhanced low temperature
performance. It meets the performance requirements of API GL-4
Plus as well as many other manufacturer requirements.

Trans Gear 75W-90

Product Pack Carton Base Oil: Semi Synthetic Viscosity: 75W-90
Code Size Qty Replacement Viscosities: 80W-90 Colour: Amber
TG7590001 1 Litre 6 Key Specifications: API GL-5/MT-1, BTR 5M-31, MIL-L-2105D,
TG75900025 2.5 Litres 4 ZF TE ML-01/02/05/07/08, China National GB 13895-1992
TG7590020 20 Litres 1 Application: Manual Gearboxes, Transfer Cases, Transaxles
TG7590060 60 Litres 1 Penrite Trans Gear 75W-90 is a premium performance, semi
TG7590205 205 Litres 1 synthetic, manual gearbox and transaxle oil. It is manufactured
from a blend of highly refined base oils, the latest technology
additives, friction enhancers and an advanced viscosity modifier.
It meets the performance requirements of API MT-1 and GL-5
as well as many manufacturer requirements.

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 Gear Oil 80W-90
MANUAL GEAR / DIFFERENTIAL

Product Pack Carton Base Oil: Premium Mineral Viscosity: 80W-90

Code Size Qty Replacement Viscosities: 85W-90, SAE 90 Colour: Blue
GO8090001 1 Litre 6 Key Specifications: API GL-5/GL-6/MT-1/PG-2, MIL-L-PRF-2105E,
GO80900025 2.5 Litres 4 MIL-L-2105D, Ford ESW-M2C1006-B/1013-A/104-A/105-A/197-A,
GO8090020 20 Litres 1 GM HN 1181/1187/1386/1561, China National GB 13895-1992
GO8090060 60 Litres 1 Application: Hypoid & Limited Slip Differentials,
GO8090205 205 Litres 1 Manual Gearboxes, Transfer Cases, Transaxles
Penrite Gear Oil 80W-90 is a premium, heavy duty, mineral
automotive gear oil, manufactured with modern extreme pressure
additives and friction modifiers, meeting the requirements of API
GL-5/6 & MT-1, as well as many other manufacturer specifications.
It is suitable for use in both limited slip and hypoid differentials.
Coloured Blue for easy identification.

Gear Oil 85W-140

Product Pack Carton Base Oil: Premium Mineral Viscosity: 85W-140
Code Size Qty Colour: Blue
GO85140001 1 Litre 6 Key Specifications: API GL-5/GL-6/MT-1/PG-2, MIL-L-PRF-2105E,
GO851400025 2.5 Litres 4 MIL-L-2105D, GM HN 1181/1187/1386/1561, China National GB 13895-1992
GO85140020 20 Litres 1 Application: Hypoid & Limited Slip Differentials
GO85140060 60 Litres 1 Penrite Gear Oil 85W-140 is a premium, heavy duty, mineral
GO85140205 205 Litres 1 automotive gear oil, manufactured with modern extreme pressure
additives and friction modifiers meeting the requirements of API
GL-5/6 & MT-1, as well as many other manufacturer specifications.
It is suitable for use in both limited slip and hypoid differentials.
Coloured Blue for easy identification.

Gear Oil 140

Product Pack Carton Base Oil: Premium Mineral Viscosity: SAE 140
Code Size Qty Colour: Blue
GO140001 1 Litre 6 Key Specifications: API GL-5/GL-6/MT-1/PG-2, MIL-L-PRF-2105E,
GO1400025 2.5 Litres 4 MIL-L-2105D, SAE J2360, China National GB 13895-1992
GO140020 20 Litres 1 Application: Hypoid & Limited Slip Differentials
GO140060 60 Litres 1 Penrite Gear Oil 140 is a premium, heavy duty, mineral automotive
GO140205 205 Litres 1 gear oil, manufactured with modern extreme pressure additives
and friction modifiers meeting the requirements of API GL-5/6
& MT-1 as well as many other manufacturer specifications.
It is suitable for use in both limited slip and hypoid differentials.
Coloured Blue for easy identification.

HDPS Fluid (Honda Dual Pump System)

Product Pack Carton Base Oil: Semi Synthetic Colour: Amber
Code Size Qty
HDPS001 1 Litre 6 Key Specifications: Honda DPSF
Penrite HDPS Fluid is a premium semi-synthetic oil specially
designed for use in Honda Dual Pump System differentials. It
contains a unique combination of extreme pressure additives,
long life friction modifiers, anti-shudder additives and synthetic
base oils, to provide maximum wear protection and extended
service life.

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Limslip Additive

MANUAL GEAR / DIFFERENTIAL

Product Pack Carton Colour: Purple
Code Size Qty
LSADD000150 150 Millilitres 12 Key Specifications: GM Part Number 1052358, Ford M2C118-A,
Dana 40819, Daimler Chrysler MS 5630, Ford Motorsport 7098
Penrite Limslip Additive is an additive designed specifically
for use in limited slip differentials to overcome problems with
squeal, squawk or chatter. It can also be added to both mineral and
synthetic hypoid gear oils to change their frictional properties
to give them the ability to be used in limited slip differentials.
Penrite Pro Gear 75W-90 & 80W-140 do not require any further
addition of Limslip Additive.

Penrite 4297 (Transmission Additive)

Product Pack Carton Colour: Dark Brown
Code Size Qty
PEN4297000150 150 Millilitres 12
Penrite 4297 is a treatment additive formulated to alleviate
Penrite 4297 REPLACES shift problems in automatic transmission systems that require
LZ 7906 DEXRON®II automatic transmission fluids (ATFs). It is also
suitable for manual transmissions that utilise an ATF as their
lubricant. It can also be used to reduce noise and wear in power
steering systems of passenger vehicles. It contains a balanced
mix of additives including oxidation inhibitors and friction
modifiers to alter the shift feel of many transmissions while
providing for an improved margin of protection in others. Not
suitable for use in DCT or CVT systems.

Millilitres Litres
PENRITE PRODUCT
150 1 2.5 20 60 205
Pro Gear 70W-75 - • • • • •
Pro Gear 75W-85 - • • • • •
Pro Gear GL-5 75W-85 - • • • - -
Pro Gear 75W-90 - • • • • -
Pro Gear 80W-140 - • • • • •
Pro Gear 85W-110 - • • - - -
Trans Gear 75W-80 - • • • • •
Trans Gear 75W-90 - • • • • •
Gear Oil 80W-90 - • • • • •
Gear Oil 85W-140 - • • • • •
Gear Oil 140 - • • • • •
HDPS Fluid (Honda Dual Pump System) - • - - - -
Limslip Additive • - - - - -
Penrite 4297 (Transmission Additive) • - - - - -
(All products are available in 1000L Pods, on request)

Key Features & Benefits of the Manual Gear / Differential range:

> Specifically designed additives to improve
the shift feel for the life of the oil drain.
> Enhanced oxidation stability, reducing
harmful deposits.
> Excellent wear protection.
> Compatible with different metal components
to protect against corrosion.
> Common differential oils for both limited slip
and hypoid differentials.

Expert Tip: Anti wear agents prevent wear

due to seizure or scuffing of rubbing surfaces.
They are normally zinc, phosphorus or other
organo-metallic based.

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