GAZelle Next is a family of medium-duty vehicles produced since 2013. The model is the ideological successor to the classic GAZelle, which is still in production. Despite the fundamental external differences, the cars of the Next family have many technical components and assemblies from previous GAZelles.
The Next line is quite diverse: there are two-door vans and buses, as well as four-door vans, as well as a bus with 14 or 17 seats. Since 2022, a reinforced flatbed truck with a gross weight of 4600 kg has been produced, and in 2022, a 17-cc TsMF and a bus with a 22-seater interior were built on its basis. In 2021, sales of a new version with the VW EA189 diesel engine began.
Viscosity characteristics 75w and 90
According to SAE, TMs are divided into types and, accordingly, their purpose depending on viscosity. Since we will be talking about 75W-90 gear oil, we will first of all look at its characteristics.
75W – this indicator is known as “winter”, it shows the degree of fluidity at low temperatures. The lower the value in front of the letter “w”, the more fluid the transmission is in the cold. For this type of oil, the threshold should be at -40 °C.
The second indicator of the viscosity range is 90 , also called “summer”, indicating the maximum tolerated positive outdoor temperature at a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius. The parameter itself also does not reflect the true value, you just need to know that according to reference data, this threshold will be up to +35 °C.
It would seem that why 75W90 oil is the most suitable for our latitudes , why not create a universal one with an even wider temperature spectrum? But it's not that simple. Protection against friction between gear surfaces directly depends on the lubricity of the gear oil. Although this indicator significantly improves with increasing viscosity, the law of resistance comes into force, and transmission power losses increase due to the waste of energy squeezing it out from under the gear teeth. Also, viscous oil thickens very much in the cold. Less viscous, it feels good at sub-zero temperatures, but has a less durable protective film and worse lubricating properties. To balance these two indicators, special additive packages are also used.
Oil level control
Checking the transmission fluid level in GAZelle cars should be done every 20 thousand kilometers. This must be done even if there are no visible leaks. If for some reason the oil level decreases, it must be added to the gearbox housing.
Before checking the oil level, you need to thoroughly clean the breather with the cap and the adjacent surface of the box housing. This is necessary so that when checking the level, dirt does not get into the gearbox. After this, you can unscrew the plug. Since the Gazelle box is not equipped with a hole with a dipstick, the level is checked along the lower edge of the filler hole.
Oil control is carried out as follows:
- Before checking, you need to warm up the gearbox; a trip of 10-15 km is enough for this.
- The car should be placed on a flat surface, as a slight horizontal tilt will not give an accurate result.
- The lubricant should drain from the crankcase walls to the bottom. At the same time, you need to clean the filler cap.
- Unscrew the plug and observe the hole. A thin stream of grease indicates an abnormal oil level. Then use a syringe to add fluid to the gearbox and check the level again
- If the oil stops leaking, the fluid level has returned to normal.
- Tighten the plug
You only need to add the oil that is already in the gearbox. For a while, you can use a liquid of a different brand, but with similar characteristics.
It is prohibited to operate GAZelle vehicles with a low oil level. This applies to all models. If the volume of fluid is insufficient, air pockets may form, due to which the amount of lubricant supplied to the gearbox bearings and gears is reduced.
Performance properties of TM
The API classification shows a comprehensive assessment of the transmission depending on its performance properties and is divided into six categories. Categories are marked with an index, which makes it possible to understand the scope and level of quality of the product. Today, in passenger car transmissions, only two groups of fluids are used – GL-4 and GL-5 (TM-4, TM-5 according to the domestic classification).
GL-4 (or TM-4) - designed for medium-loaded gears . Used in manual transmissions and mechanisms with spiral bevel gears. The operation of such oils can be carried out in hypoid-type transmissions at significant speeds, but small or moderate torques.
GL-5 (or TM-5) - used for heavily loaded gears . Operation of oil with this standard is carried out in hypoid gears at low torques in combination with high speeds, subject to short-term shock loads. This oil contains a large amount of sulfur-phosphorus containing extreme pressure additive.
Also a very common oil is 75W90 marked GL-4/5 ; the presence of two indices indicates use under different load conditions and different types of mechanisms.
MIL specification
In addition to API classification, the American MIL specification . For 75W90, this is MIL-L 2105 A, B or C. Confirms compliance with the specifications of multigrade gear oils , equivalent to API GL-4 or GL-5.
ZF transmission oil quality classifier
Also on the canister of 75W-90 oil you can see the Z classifier - this is a classification system for all types of motor vehicle transmissions . The designation is made by letters and numbers from ZF TE-ML 01 to ZF TE-ML 14.
How much oil is in the gearbox of a GAZelle Next car?
First generation from 2013
GAZelle Next has a front-mounted internal combustion engine and is based on the rear-wheel drive X96A21R22 platform of the Gorky Automobile Plant's own production. The main external difference from the classic GAZelle is the cabin of the new generation Next, which features improved ergonomics of the front panel and instruments, the presence of airbags, electric windows and other fundamental improvements, like in foreign LCV cars.
The role in gear shifting is assigned to the “joystick”. Long wheelbase versions are available. The chassis has been modernized: a new independent front suspension and more powerful brakes have been installed, and handling has been improved by installing a new hydraulic booster.
Manual transmission oil: volume – 1.2-1.5 liters
What is the difference between GL-4 and GL-5 75W-90 oils?
As already mentioned just above, the purpose of TM GL-4 (according to GOST 17479.2–85) is for operation in transmissions with bevel and hypoid gears , operating at contact stresses up to 3000 MPa and oil temperatures up to 150 °C. By and large, these are gearboxes of front-wheel drive cars. API GL-5 - ensures reliable operation of hypoid gears operating with shock loads at stresses above 3000 MPa. It is used in gearboxes with hypoid bevel gears and for final drives with cardan drives in drive axles (with limited slip differential LSD). This transmission fluid provides better protection under high load and pressure conditions.
Errors when choosing TM 75W90 and the difference between GL 4 and GL 5.
The key feature is that 75W90 API GL-4 oils contain two times less sulfur-phosphorus additives than similar ones, only of a higher class. Such additives create a special protective coating on parts that prevents wear, but this substance is even stronger than the surface of parts made of copper or other soft alloys. Therefore, using TMs for purposes other than their intended purpose threatens to wear out the surface of an element made of soft metal. So, in those gearboxes where it is necessary to use 75W90 GL-4, and GL-5 is poured, there is a rapid appearance of copper shavings, since the synchronizers are made of copper, and the sulfur-phosphorus additive kills them.
Replacement instructions
If the required volume of transmission oil for replacement has been prepared and the location for the operation has been selected, then you can change the “transmission” in the box.
Required Tools
To replace you should prepare:
- container for collecting “working off”;
- a syringe for pouring new lubricant;
- cleaning material;
- new oil to fill.
In some cases, flushing the gearbox housing will be necessary. This will be indicated by the presence of metal shavings on the drain plug magnet. Then you should additionally prepare approximately 1 liter of flushing oil.
In the video from the channel Gazelists of Ukraine you can watch about changing the lubricant in the Gazelle gearbox.
Rating of the best gear oils with viscosity 75W90
To build a rating of the best oils, you need to navigate among the following indicators:
- Viscosity _ The oil must maintain optimal viscosity both at low temperatures and maintain its astringent properties at high temperatures;
- Temperature characteristics . Each liquid has its own pour point and ignition temperature, TM should have the largest gap between these indicators;
- Critical load . The higher this number, the better the product;
- Bully index . Unfortunately, there are no standards for this index, but the higher this value, the better the TM;
- Welding load . According to GOST, this value should be no lower than 3,000 H;
- Wear indicator . This criterion is determined only for GL-5 class oil; it should be less than 0.4 mm.
The TOP of the best transmission oils does not take into account their cost, but is given based on reviews and comparative tests.
In many respects, Motul Gear 300 75W90 transmission oil takes first place among all tested. This transmission has the highest protection against scuffing (the index is 60.1), welding, oil film stability without loss of engine power, and an average wear rate (0.75 mm). Although it cannot boast of viscosity characteristics (especially at sub-zero temperatures).
Temperature test of transmission oils 75W90
Second and third places are occupied by transmission fluids from Castrol (Syntrans) and Mobil (Mobilube). Castrol Syntrans Transaxle oil is used in gearboxes, transfer cases and drive axles. It has good low-temperature fluidity, but compared to Mobile, the scuff index is quite high for a liquid of this class, but the wear level is even better than Motul (59.4).
TM Mobil Mobilube can be placed in third place, since it has good test results for the level of protection and wear under high loads, and therefore provides low friction losses at operating temperatures. But, unfortunately, it has an insufficient viscosity index at sub-zero temperatures.
The fourth result when testing transmission oil was shown by Total Transmission SYN FE 75W-90 oil. Reviews about this fluid are also good, although since it is universal - it has API GL-4/GL-5, it will not be suitable for all gearboxes. This TM has a scuff level of 58.8, which is even better than the leader in the rating of gear oils 75W90. But it cannot boast of wear levels and good viscosity in low-temperature tests.
Semi-synthetic gear oil LIQUI MOLY Hypoid-Getriebeoil TDL 75W-90 GL-4/5 also performs well in tests, especially standing out when tested at minus 40; its fluidity at such a low temperature will allow the gearbox and gearboxes to operate without problems. However, other important indicators are at an average level.
synthetic oil ZIC GF TOP 75W-90 in this rating, since there is very little data on its wear and scuffing indicators, although the temperature test passes excellently. This gear oil can be used in manual transmissions (including synchronized transmissions) and drive axles. According to reviews from car owners, it significantly reduces transmission noise, withstands extreme loads and has virtually no drawbacks.
It is also impossible not to pay attention to Transyn 75W-90 API GL 3/4/5 oil from the manufacturer Eurol, since, despite the lack of real temperature tests and a very high level of wear - 0.94, it has a good scuff level - 58.5 and is very popular among car enthusiasts.
As you can see, the range of 75W90 gear oils on the market is quite large and there is always something to choose for your needs and affordable price. But remember that you need to select not because your neighbor advised, but based on the needs of your car’s transmission and the characteristics of the transmission fluid itself.
Reviews
Maxim, Petrozavodsk. I am a novice entrepreneur who needed a small, light-duty van adapted to Russian conditions. The choice fell on the GAZelle Next with a Cummins 2.8 engine, which seems to enliven a rather heavy and clumsy truck, which is especially important when transporting heavy loads. An economical and high-torque engine that only requires changing fuel, oil and filters.
Alexey, Kaliningrad. I have a GAZelle Next with an imported 2.8 liter diesel engine, which has long been in demand around the world. Simple and easy to maintain, although the cost of spare parts could be lower. The cabin is comfortable and clearly visible from all sides - the glass area of Next is one of the best in its class.
