How much gear oil should be added to an 800W electric tricycle?
2 Answers
An 800W electric tricycle requires 250 milliliters of gear oil. Introduction to Gear Oil: Add 250 milliliters of gear oil. Gear oil primarily refers to the lubricating oil used in transmissions and rear axles. It differs from engine oil in terms of usage conditions, composition, and performance characteristics. Gear oil mainly serves to lubricate gears and bearings, prevent wear and rust, and assist in heat dissipation for gears. Automotive gear oil is used in gear transmission mechanisms such as steering systems, transmissions, and drive axles. Due to the high surface pressure during gear transmission, gear oil plays a crucial role in lubrication, anti-wear, cooling, heat dissipation, anti-corrosion, rust prevention, cleaning, and reducing gear surface impact and noise. Gear Oil Specifications: GL-1 is designated for automotive spiral bevel gears and worm-type drive axles under low tooth surface pressure and low sliding speed, as well as various manual transmissions. GL-2 is for automotive worm-type drive axles where GL-1 gear oil cannot meet the requirements due to load, temperature, and sliding speed conditions, and thus GL-2 grade gear oil is specified. GL-3 is for automotive manual transmissions and spiral bevel gear drive axles under relatively harsh sliding speed and load conditions, requiring GL-3 grade oil. GL-4 is specified for various gears operating under low-speed high-torque and high-speed low-torque conditions, especially hypoid gears in buses and other vehicles. GL-5 is designated for various gears operating under high-speed shock loads, high-speed low-torque, and low-speed conditions, particularly hypoid gears in buses and other vehicles. GL-6 is for gears in passenger cars and other vehicles operating under high-speed shock conditions, especially hypoid gears with large offsets exceeding 50nm or close to 25% of the large gear diameter, requiring GL-6 grade gear oil.
For an 800W electric tricycle, I’d say adding gear oil depends on the specific situation. My experience is that such small vehicles usually require 250 to 300ml, but don’t rigidly follow this because different brands have different reducer structures. It’s best to check the vehicle manual, which will indicate the oil level hole or dipstick position. For example, last time I checked a tricycle with similar power, I stopped adding gear oil as soon as it started overflowing from the oil level hole, ensuring the right amount—not too much to avoid waste, nor too little to prevent wear. Remember to use the right viscosity oil, like SAE 80W-90, and check it annually to maintain reliable lubrication. Pay attention to operational sounds; if gear noise increases, it might be time to change the oil. If doing it yourself, use a measuring cup or syringe to add slowly, avoiding overfilling, which can affect heat dissipation and lead to oil consumption and performance issues. For safety, park the vehicle on level ground before operating. In short, the manual comes first—if there’s no manual, conservatively add up to 300ml and don’t guess randomly.
