New Axle Lubricant Claimed to Reduce Operating Temperatures, Boost Economy

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. has announced that it has developed a new synthetic lubricant for its driveline systems. The PowerFilm lubricant, when combined with low friction bearings and an optimized sliding geometry of the hypoid gear set, claims the company, will provide significantly reduced axle operating temperatures, along with improved axle efficiency.

According to AAM, the lube, when combined with low friction design, has the potential of reducing the axle operating temperature by as much as 28 percent and improving axle efficiency by as much as 3 percent over the conventional axle. This improved efficiency can translate into a 0.3-mpg gain or a 1.9 percent improvement in fuel economy on full size trucks with a V8 engine. AAM is an OEM manufacturer involved in the design, engineering, and validation of driveline systems and related components and modules, chassis systems and forged products for trucks, sport utility vehicles and passenger cars.