VLS Bulletin – January 2024 – VLS 010185
VLS 010185 – Granville 75W-90 Fully Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid
On 26/01/2023 the case was accepted by VLS.
The complaint concerned the product’s compliance with SAE J306. The complainant stated that they procured and tested the product for SAE 75W compliance at -40°C as per ASTM D2983 – the Standard Test Method for Low Temperature Viscosity using a Rotational Viscometer (Brookfield). The complainant stated that it was not possible to obtain a result as the product set solid during the test. The complainant stated that the result shows the product is not SAE 75W compliant and will therefore not provide adequate circulation in gear systems. This can lead to accelerated wear when the equipment is started from cold and the product will not support any fuel efficiency expectations.
When tested against the SAE J306 Standard for Automotive Gear Oils, a result of 19.8 cSt at 100°C was obtained by the complainant. They state that this falls outside of the specified range of 13.5 cSt. to 18.5 cSt. and therefore does not comply with the SAE 90 limits. This may lead to cold baulking issues at low temperatures resulting in poor gear shift quality and the possibility of accelerated wear on synchroniser components, bearings and gears.
VLS independently procured a sample of the product within the UK, and tested it for low temperature properties against ASTM D2983 which indicated that the product was not compliant due to excessive viscosity at -40°C and therefore not meeting the requirements of an SAE 75W grade as defined in the SAE J306 standard. However, VLS found that the product was in compliance against the SAE 90 Kinematic Viscosity (KV) at 100°C limits. (13.5-18.5 cSt). The Named Party was asked what steps they would be taking to bring the product into compliance.
The Named Party has changed its supplier since the product was blended in 2020 and filled in 2021. They have also changed their filling procedures and moved to automated blending which they believe has solved the issue, which they believe was due to batch contamination, as the batch VLS tested was blended and filled before automated blending was introduced. The Named Party has also checked all batches subsequently manufactured and stated that they are all compliant according to their testing.
VLS undertook a six-month review of the case as part of which a new sample was tested and found to be in continued compliance and therefore the case was closed.
David Wright, Company Secretary of VLS said “We want to ensure we have the highest standards in Europe for lubricant manufacture, blending and marketing, and we want a ‘level playing field’ for all participants, so that we protect the interests of the consumer and other end users.
In the Verification of Lubricant Specifications (UK) Ltd, we have set our course for stronger industry self-regulation by working positively towards more open and transparent competition that benefits all lubricant organisations.”
January 2024
