ASTM Study of Fluidity of Automotive Gear Oils at Low Temperatures

This paper reviews the work of ASTM Research and Development Division VII during 1973-77 related to the low-temperature flow characteristics of automotive gear oils. Phase I showed that the Canadian channel point test was superior to the U.S.A. method in operability and discrimination between oils, although some modifications to the Canadian method were recommended. Phase II concerned establishing reference oils based on tests in cold full-scale axles, and using these reference oils to evaluate laboratory tests for determining and specifying cold fluidity of gear oils. Brookfield viscosity proved most suitable, with channel point and pour point being much less favorable.