DRIVELINE LUBRICANTS: A possible loss of fuel mileage!

Driveline components, transmissions, power dividers, auxiliary transmissions, and differentials require lubricants that can sustain forces generated by gears. If the lubricant is squeezed from between the gears, higher than normal friction, loss of energy, and increased wear results. To overcome this problem, 85W or 125W hypoid oils with EP (Extreme Pressure) additives have traditionally been used for gear trains. EP additives are special lubricant modifiers that help resist the squeezing force generated by gears.

Many new driveline components use lower viscosity, mineral-based oils with anti-wear and EP agents or synthetic-based EP additive lubricants. If the component is designed for these types of lubricants, energy savings result since the viscosity is lower. Heavy viscosity lubricants cause energy losses. Some technicians do not believe that the lightweight oils can protect heavy duty components. When replacing or adding lubricants, they frequently use the traditional 85W or 125W EP lubricants.

Many newly designed components have closer tolerances and are tighter fitting; therefore, the heavy viscosity oils will not flow between some moving components. This results in excessive premature wear and energy loss.

Decreased driveline component tolerance improves component life and increases fuel economy since a lower viscosity oil is recommended; thus, technicians must use the proper lubricants for each driveline component to ensure minimum wear and optimal fuel economy. Manufacturer's operators manuals, service manuals, or lubrication guides are the best sources for proper lubrication procedures of a specific year, make, and model vehicle.
                                                                              La. State University (LSU)
                                                                                                    Undated
Velocity Oil comments:

Velocity oil treatment is an additive that falls into the extreme pressure category. As can be demonstrated, Velocity oil treatment bonds itself to metal surfaces and it is almost impossible to have its film broken, short of removing the metal. In driveline and gearbox applications, if the oil lubricant is squeezed out by extreme pressure, the Velocity product is present and prevents any metal-to-metal contact, thus reducing wear and allowing cooler operation. This allows the use of less viscous oils and components with closer tolerances, which lead to better economy. Also, as in crankcase use, Velocity prevents wear at startup due to metal-to-metal contact.

In addition Velocity Wear Protector is formulated with special wetting agents that permit the lubricating oils to carry away additional heat beyond the oil's designed capability. This helps cool the drivline component even further. Velocity Wear Protector has a low viscosity that will work well with lighter oils designed for the close tolerances of many modern gear systems. 

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