75W-90 gear oil and 80W-90 for axles, plus 75W-80 for manual gearboxes
Axles and differentials need a gear oil that withstands high surface pressure, while manual gearboxes need one that is kind to the synchromesh. Learn when a 75W-90 gear oil, an 80W-90 or a 75W-80 is the right choice and which standards – ZF TE-ML, MAN 342, MB 235.0 – the Elat oils list.
75W-90 gear oil for axles and differentials
In the final drive, the differential splits the driving force between the wheels. Many axles – for example the rear axles of commercial vehicles and rear-wheel-drive cars – use hypoid gears: the drive pinion is offset from the axis of the crown wheel, so the tooth flanks slide against each other under high pressure. An axle oil must therefore maintain a load-bearing lubricating film even under shock loads, which is the job of EP (extreme pressure) additives.
API GL-5 describes exactly this performance level for heavily loaded hypoid gears, which is why a 75W-90 gear oil to GL-5 is a common requirement for the axles of vans, trucks, buses and many rear- or all-wheel-drive cars. According to its product description, Gear Oil 75W-90 GL5 is a fully synthetic high-performance gear oil for heavily loaded axles and differentials; as a mineral-based differential oil, Gear Oil 80W-90 GL5 is also available. Our gear oil guide explains how API GL-4 and GL-5 differ in principle.
In brief
Axles and differentials with hypoid gears typically use API GL-5 oils in 75W-90 or 80W-90, with the details set by ZF, MAN, Mercedes-Benz or Volvo standards. Elat’s fully synthetic 75W-90 and mineral 80W-90 list partly different standards. For synchromesh manual gearboxes, the 75W-80 is specified to OEM codes such as BMW MTF LT-1 to LT-4 and MB 235.10.
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75W-90, 80W-90 or 75W-80? Viscosity grades for gear oil
Gear oils are classified under their own standard, SAE J306, and their numbers cannot be compared with engine oil grades: at 100 °C, an SAE 90 gear oil falls in a viscosity range similar to that of SAE 40 and 50 engine oils.
The winter grade before the ‘W’ describes flow in the cold. The low-temperature test for 75W is carried out at −40 °C, for 80W at −26 °C. A 75W-90 gear oil therefore flows much more easily in frost than an 80W-90 gear oil, while both reach grade 90 at operating temperature. A 75W-80 is thinner at operating temperature and typical of car manual gearboxes, where easy shifting in the cold matters.
The manufacturer decides which grade applies. According to its product description, the fully synthetic 75W-90 is also intended for vehicles with extended oil change intervals, while the description of the mineral 80W-90 calls it an economical solution for standard applications.
Elat gear oils for axles and manual gearboxes
The cards show the label entries from our product data; API classes and manufacturer standards for axles and manual gearboxes are marked in blue.
Gear Oil 75W-90 GL5
75W-90 · Gear Oil
Fully synthetic according to its description; lists API GL-5, ZF TE-ML 05A and MAN 342 Type M-1.
Gear Oil 80W-90 GL5
80W-90 · Gear Oil
Mineral according to its description; lists API GL3, GL4, GL5 as well as Scania STO 1:0 and ZF TE-ML 12A.
Gear Oil 75W-80 GL4
75W-80 · Gear Oil
Despite ‘GL4’ in its name, the label lists no API GL class but OEM codes for manual gearboxes.
Approval or specification?
Only expressly stated manufacturer approvals are marked “Approval”. All other entries are specifications and recommendations as printed on the product label; the entries relevant to this topic are highlighted. For your vehicle or machine, the owner’s manual and the manufacturer’s approval lists always take precedence. If in doubt, we are happy to advise you.
ZF TE-ML 05A, MAN 342 M-1, MB 235.0: OEM standards for axle oil
Alongside the API class, axle and gearbox manufacturers set their own standards. ZF publishes lubricant lists under the name TE-ML: the number stands for a group of gearboxes or axles, the letter for a lubricant class within that list. The applicable list is given in the operating manual and sometimes on the unit’s type plate. Both the 75W-90 and the 80W-90 list ZF TE-ML 05A, for example.
At MAN, the standard for axle oils is MAN 342; the 75W-90 lists MAN 342 Type M-1, often shortened to MAN 342 M-1. The 80W-90 lists MAN 3343 Type M instead – a different number that you should compare with your vehicle’s requirement. Mercedes-Benz covers hypoid gear oils in sheet MB 235.0, which both oils list; the 80W-90 also lists MB 236.6.
Further differences: the 75W-90 also lists VOLVO 97310 and ZF TE-ML 19B, whereas the 80W-90 lists Scania STO 1:0 and ZF TE-ML 01, 08 and 12A. Both share ZF TE-ML 05A, 07A, 16B/C/D and 17B, MB 235.0 and the US military specification MIL L-2105 D. The table shows all three Elat gear oils side by side.
| Feature | Gear Oil 75W-90 GL5 | Gear Oil 80W-90 GL5 | Gear Oil 75W-80 GL4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAE grade | 75W-90 | 80W-90 | 75W-80 |
| Base according to product description | fully synthetic | mineral | low-friction gear oil, base not stated |
| Application according to product description | heavily loaded axles and differentials | manual and axle gearboxes | modern manual gearboxes with synchroniser rings |
| API class | API GL-5 | API GL3, GL4, GL5 | no API GL entry |
| Military specification | MIL L-2105 D | MIL L 2105 D | – |
| ZF | TE-ML 05A, 07A, 16B/C/D, 17B, 19B | TE-ML 01, 05A, 07A, 08, 12A, 16B C D, 17B | – |
| MAN | MAN 342 Type M-1 | MAN 3343 Type M | – |
| Mercedes-Benz | MB 235.0 | MB 235.0, 236.6 | MB 235.10 |
| Volvo / Scania | VOLVO 97310 | Scania STO 1:0 | VOLVO 97308, 97309 |
| Car manufacturers (selection) | – | – | BMW MTF LT-1/-2/-3/-4, VW G052 171, G052 178, PSA B 71 2330, FORD WSS-M2C200-C D2 |
75W-80 manual transmission fluid: choose by OEM code
Synchromesh manual gearboxes in cars and vans have different needs from a hypoid axle. When you change gear, the synchroniser rings match the shaft speeds through friction; the oil must allow this friction and must not attack non-ferrous components. Many vehicle manufacturers therefore specify their own manual transmission fluid (MTF), often in 75W-80.
According to its product description, Gear Oil 75W-80 GL4 is a low-friction gear oil for modern manual gearboxes with synchroniser rings. Note: despite ‘GL4’ in the product name, the label lists no API GL-4 classification. What counts are the OEM codes, including BMW MTF LT-1/-2/-3/-4, MB 235.10, VW G052 171, G052 178 and G052 512, VOLVO 97308 and 97309, PSA B 71 2330 and FORD WSS-M2C200-C D2. As a 75W-80 manual transmission fluid, it is therefore an option wherever one of these codes is specified.
- Take the code from the owner’s manual: if it names a VW part number such as G052 171 or a BMW MTF level, look for exactly that entry on the label.
- Do not substitute an axle oil: a GL-5 axle oil lists no MTF codes and is not an equivalent choice for a gearbox with an MTF requirement.
- Leave automatics aside: torque-converter automatics, DSG and CVT gearboxes need fluids of their own – see ATF automatic transmission fluid and DSG and CVT transmission fluid.
Workshop and fleet practice: limited-slip differentials, topping up, supply
Some limited-slip differentials with clutch packs need an oil with special friction additives, often marked LS (limited slip). The labels of the Elat gear oils on this page do not list an LS entry – if the manufacturer specifies an LS oil, please contact us before use.
When topping up, use the same oil or one that lists the same standard. Oil level and change interval follow the axle or vehicle manufacturer’s instructions. Like all Elat lubricants, we supply gear oils to workshops, retailers and fleets throughout Germany; the page lubricant supply throughout Germany gives an overview of all topics with nationwide delivery.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 75W-90 and 80W-90?
Both reach grade 90 at operating temperature, but they differ in the cold: a 75W-90 flows more easily in frost than an 80W-90. In the Elat range, the 75W-90 is fully synthetic according to its product description and the 80W-90 is mineral, and the two oils list partly different manufacturer standards. The owner’s manual states which viscosity is intended.
What does ZF TE-ML 05A on the label mean?
TE-ML refers to ZF’s lubricant lists, 05 to the list for a particular group of gearboxes and axles, and A to the lubricant class within it. Gear Oil 75W-90 GL5 and the 80W-90 list TE-ML 05A as a specification. For your unit, the list given in the operating manual or on the type plate is decisive.
Is Gear Oil 75W-80 GL4 an API GL-4 oil?
The label lists no API GL-4 classification, even though ‘GL4’ appears in the product name. The oil is specified to OEM codes for manual gearboxes, such as BMW MTF LT-1 to LT-4, MB 235.10 and several VW part numbers. If your gearbox explicitly calls for API GL-4, we will gladly check with you which product fits.
Which oil goes into a limited-slip differential?
The manufacturer decides. Some limited-slip differentials with clutch packs need an oil with LS additives or a separate additive, and the Elat gear oils on this page do not list an LS specification. Tell us the vehicle and axle type, and we will let you know whether an Elat oil is an option.
Can I use 80W-90 in a manual gearbox?
Only if the manufacturer specifies this viscosity and specification for the gearbox. According to its product description, Gear Oil 80W-90 GL5 is intended for manual and axle gearboxes and lists API GL3, GL4 and GL5. Modern car manual gearboxes with their own MTF requirement, however, need an oil that lists exactly that OEM code.
Related topics
Request gear oil for axles and manual gearboxes
Tell us the vehicle, the axle or gearbox type and the required standard. We will check the details and recommend the right Elat gear oil.
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