AM-05-32 Driveline Fluids—Thermal Management Challenges & Impacts on Base Oil and Additive Technologies

Description:

Trends in light-duty vehicle horsepower, torque capacity, weight, and 0-60 acceleration times are creating greater challenges in controlling temperatures for both transmissions and axles. High temperatures in axles and transmissions can reduce component life for bearings, seals, and fluids - ultimately resulting in failures that decrease vehicle owner satisfaction and quality ratings. These failures can eventually lead to increased OEM warranty exposure. The growing need for temperature control is being addressed in many ways. Changes to new component designs as well as gear, bearing, and seal material and manufacturing technology can positively impact axle and transmission operating temperatures. With respect to fluid technologies, it is possible to achieve significant improvement in both break-in and overall temperature behavior. In addition, wear protection and fluid thermal stability can be tailored to vehicle needs. Fluid technologies for axles and transmissions are increasingly using advanced base fluid technology, viscosity modifiers, and additive systems to effectively manage the challenges of higher temperature operating environments.