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Gear Oil

GL-4 90 Oil Equivalent — Brand Comparison & Cross Reference

GL-4 gear oil is designed for manual transmissions and transaxles. Provides adequate protection for spiral bevel and hypoid gears operating under moderate conditions without the extreme-pressure additives found in GL-5 oils.

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Brand Comparison Table

The following table shows the GL-4 90 equivalent product from each major lubricant brand. Use this to find a direct substitute when switching suppliers or sourcing alternatives.

BrandProduct Name
Sinopec logoSinopec
MTF LG-4 75W-90
Castrol logoCastrol
Transmax manual VMX 80W
Mobil logoMobil
FD Lube Special 75W-85
Shell logoShell
Spirax S6 GXME Ultra 75W-80
Valvoline logoValvoline
GL-4 75W-80
Caltex logoCaltex
Havoline FS MTF 75W-90
Fuchs logoFuchs
Titan Gear MP 80
Penrite logoPenrite
Pro Gear 75W-85
Gulf Western logoGulf Western
Low Vis 75W-90

Common Applications

  • Manual transmissions in passenger cars and light trucks
  • Synchronised manual gearboxes
  • Transaxles in front-wheel-drive vehicles
  • Transfer cases requiring GL-4 specification
  • Classic and vintage vehicle gearboxes

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use GL-4 instead of GL-5 in manual transmissions?

GL-4 uses lower levels of EP additives that are safe for the brass and copper synchroniser rings in manual transmissions. GL-5's aggressive EP chemistry can corrode these yellow metals, leading to difficult shifting and synchroniser failure.

What viscosity grades are available for GL-4?

GL-4 gear oils are commonly available in 75W-80, 75W-85, 75W-90, and 80W-90 viscosity grades. Lighter grades (75W-80) provide easier shifting in cold weather, while heavier grades (80W-90) may be specified for older gearboxes.

Can GL-4 be used in differentials?

GL-4 does not provide sufficient EP protection for hypoid gear differentials. It may be used in some non-hypoid differentials (straight-cut or spiral bevel) where the manufacturer specifies GL-4, but most differentials require GL-5.

Related Gear Oil Specifications

GL-5 85W-140Limited Slip 85W-90/90

Related Articles

Industrial Lubricant Cross Reference Guide for 2026Read article →Oil Cross Reference Tool: Find the Right Lubricant Equivalent InstantlyRead article →

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