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Mineral oil based lubricants have lower initial costs than
synthetics lubricants, but need to be changed more fre-
quently in some equipment. When choosing a lubricant,
the fleet needs to consider:
• the manufacturer’s recommendation for the
axlemake and model in service.
• the fleet savings associated with extended ser-
vice intervals.
• the total cost of the lubricant.
NOTE:
Because seal performance may vary when
switching lubricants, consult your seal supplier for com-
patibility concerns.
TMC RP 631 © 2003 – TMC/ATA – Reprinted with Permission
Recommendations for Wheel End Lubrication
TYPICAL LUBRICANT RECOMMENDATIONS
Oils
A. Non-Drive Axles
1. Synthetic
Transmission Lubricants
• SAE 50 - All year around
2. Petroleum
Rust and Oxidation (R&O) Inhibited Gear Oil
Transmission Oils
• SAE 30 - Extreme Cold
• SAE 40
• SAE 50 - warmer ambient conditions
NOTE:
Because of the extreme pressure properties of
EP gear oil, its use is not recommended in non-driven
axles. While the use of EP gear oil is permitted in non-
driven axles by several component suppliers, it may in
fact compromise bearing service life and durability
B. Drive Axles
1. Synthetic
Rated API GL-5 or meeting military specification
(MIL-L-2105D)
• SAE 75W-90 - all year around
• SAE 75W-140 - all year around or severe
service
• SAE 80W-140
2. Petroleum Gear Oils
Rated API GL-5 or meeting military specification
(MIL-L-2105D)
• SAE 80W-90 - all year around
• SAE 85W-140 - all year around or hot
environment
Grease
A. Non-Drive Axles
1. Petroleum or Synthetic
• NLGI 00, 1, 2, 3
B. Drive Axles
Drive axle wheel ends are not normally lubricated with
a grease.
Typical Characteristics of Greases
Soap Type:
Lithium Complex or equivalent
Dropping Point:
230º C minimum
Consistency:
NLGI 1, 2 or 3
Additives:
Corrosion and oxidation inhibi-
tors, EP optional
Base Oil:
Solvent refined petroleum oil
or synthetic
Base Oil Viscosity:
150 cSt @ 40º C minimum
Viscosity Index:
75 minimum for petroleum oil
and 90 minimum for synthetic
oil
Pour Point:
-10º C
Typical Characteristics of Semi-Fluid Greases
Soap Type:
Lithium Complex or Equivalent
Consistency:
NLGI 00
Additives:
Corrosion and oxidation inhibi-
tors, EP Optional
Base Oil:
Synthetic or Petroleum Oil
Base Oil Viscosity:
460 cSt @ 40º C (Typical)
Viscosity Index:
90 minimum
Pour Point:
-40º C
If lubricant specification differs from the characteristics
listed above, determine compatibility with system compo-
nents. Consult your lubricant supplier for assistance.
Note:
Please refer to your axle manufac-
turer’s installation & maintenance
manual for hub installation and bear-
ing adjustment procedures