The test method will offer an electric-motor-driven alternative to engine-based gear oil testing.
Jul 18, 2025
ASTM International’s petroleum products, liquid fuels, and lubricants committee (D02) is developing a proposed standard that will be used to evaluate the anti-scoring properties of a gear lubricant when subjected to high-speed and shock loading conditions. The proposed standard (WK94939) is under the jurisdiction of D02’s lubricants & fluids subcommittee (D02.B0.03).
According to ASTM member Nick Ariemma, WK94939 will be an electric-motor-driven version of ASTM D7452, which is currently driven by a fired engine. Ariemma adds that this test method is used to evaluate the performance characteristics of automotive gear oil in a hypoid gear application. It will be used to qualify gear oils for API GL-5 and SAE J2360 approval. SAE J2360 requires field trials, which include a 100,000-mile light-duty field trial, and a 200,000-mile heavy-duty (commercial vehicle) field trial. API GL-5 does not require any.
“Passing this test is one of the requirements to marketing and selling a gear oil product as an API GL-5 or SAE J2360 approved fluid,” says Ariemma, technology deployment manager, Lubrizol Corporation.
ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Become a member at www.astm.org/JOIN.
September / October 2025
