Search Results

The fuel economy of vehicles is today in everyone's focus. Governments, original equipment manufacturers, and consumers alike are all demanding improvements. Historically, reducing oil viscosity has resulted in improved fuel economy; however, lower viscosities can lead to reduced or “weakened” lubricant films, which may fail to hold up under higher temperatures and heavy loading associated with axle operations. The fluid development challenge is to bridge the gap between fuel economy and operating temperature control. Achieving both fuel economy and durability are not always compatible objectives. The real challenge is to build in the high torque protection historically associated with higher viscosity grades, like SAE 75W-90, while delivering the axle efficiency of lighter grades such as an SAE 75W-85 grade.

In general the mechanical design and function of synchronized manual transmissions has remained relatively constant over the years, with incremental improvements in components, gears, bearings, seals, synchronizers and fluids continuing to advance the quality of the overall product. Marketplace demands generally drive improvements which are primarily aimed at durability and shift quality. Recently, however, advances in control and actuation technology have led to a new generation of automated manual transmissions. As a result, compatibility with electronic and valve components is becoming increasingly important. The synchronizers and fluid are two components that can affect the overall transmission performance experienced by the end user. Historically, there has been a variety of synchronizer materials, primarily brass for smaller vehicles such as passenger cars and molybdenum-based products for larger commercial vehicles.