5.1 This test method is used to evaluate automotive manual transmission fluids for thermal instability, which results in deterioration of synchronizer performance.

5.2 This test method may also be utilized in other specifications and classifications of transmission and gear lubricants such as the following:

5.2.1 (final API designation of PG-1),

5.2.2 Military Specification MIL-L-2105,

5.2.3 SAE Information Report J308 Axle and Manual Transmission Lubricants, and

5.2.4 Mack Truck GO-H Gear Lubricant Specification.

1.1 This test method covers the thermal stability of fluids for use in heavy duty manual transmissions when operated at high temperatures.

1.2 The lubricant performance is measured by the number of shifting cycles that can be performed without failure of synchronization when the transmission is operated while continuously cycling between high and low range.

1.3 Correlation of test results with truck transmission service has not been established. However, the procedure has been shown to appropriately separate two transmission lubricants, which have shown satisfactory and unsatisfactory field performance in the trucks of one manufacturer.

1.4 Changes in this test method may be necessary due to refinements in the procedure, obsolescence of parts, or reagents, and so forth. These changes will be incorporated by Information Letters issued by the ASTM Test Monitoring Center (TMC).² The test method will be revised to show the content of all the letters, as issued.

1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.5.1 Exception—When materials, products, or equipment are available only in inch-pound units, SI units are omitted.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This test method is arranged as follows:

Section

Scope

 1

Referenced Documents

 2

Terminology

 3

Summary of Test Method

 4

Significance and Use

 5

Apparatus

 6

 Test Transmission

 6.2

 Transmission Mounts

 6.3

 Oil-Circulating System

 6.4

 Oil Return Hole

 6.5

 Air Pressure Controls

 6.6

 Drive System

 6.7

 Instrumentation

 6.8

 Thermocouple Placement

 6.9

Reagents and Materials

 7

Safety

 8

Preparation of Apparatus

 9

 Cleaning of Parts

 9.1

 Assembly

 9.2

Calibration

 10

 Transmission and Test Stand Calibration

 10.1

 Reference Oils

 10.2

 Reference Oil Test Frequency

 10.3

 Instrumentation Calibration

 10.4

 Shift Time Calibration

 10.5

Operating Procedure

 11

 System Flush and Charge

 11.1

 Test Operation

 11.2

 Shut-Down Procedure

 11.3

 Transmission Disassembly

 11.4

Determination of Test Results

 12

 Failure Criteria

 12.1

 Shifter Fork Wear

 12.2

 Test Validity Determination

 12.3

Report

 13

Precision and Bias

 14

Keywords

 15

Test Validity Calculations and Limits

Annex A1

HTCT Test Report Forms and Data Dictionary

Annex A2

Manual Transmission Cyclic Durability Test Parts Inspection and Wear Measurements

Annex A3