Development of a Laboratory Axle Efficiency Test

A laboratory axle efficiency test using a torque sweep method has been developed. Vehicle test limitations, previous axle efficiency tests and origin of current test are discussed. Test development, equipment and importance of technique are presented. Correlation with vehicle tests is shown and usefulness of data for evaluating lubricant and axle design changes is discussed. An evaluation of test results shows that the torque sweep method has the capability of identifying changes that may not show with vehicle tests.