Russian drivers still prefer a manual transmission to an automatic transmission. There are too many reasons to list here. All mechanisms need lubrication, including the transmission. True, the frequency of replacement is still not the same as for the engine: approximately once every 60-80 thousand km .
The market for oils produced in Russia is wide. But with all the diversity, in terms of production volume, one of the favorites is transmission oil TAD 17 (TM 8-15), oil for manual transmissions.
Short description
Transmission oil TAD-17 is a product that belongs to lubricating emulsions actively used in the automotive industry.
The technical purpose of all transmission fluids, without exception, is anti-wear properties. Depending on the degree of these features, the wear of metal structures that come into contact with each other during the operation of vehicles is minimized. Transmission components and assemblies operate at high speeds and temperature changes, which without lubricating fluid will provoke welding of parts and their deformation at the points of contact of metal mechanisms under the influence of friction and rotation. Oils provide parts with high-quality lubrication, which envelops them and creates a protective film on the surface, which prolongs the life of parts operating under intense conditions.
The formula is supplemented with a complex of highly specialized additives. Additional components increase the performance of the base. The main components are depressant, detergent, and dispersant additives. The result of mixing is the optimization of temperature resistance, increasing the protective characteristics of the liquid.
Working properties of petroleum product
The production criteria for TAD-17i oil are usually specified in accordance with SAE, a community of automotive engineers that integrates lubricant products by viscosity. According to technical documentation according to SAE, the viscosity index of the product is marked with the code 85W-90, and according to the API criterion with the code GL-5. These criteria indicate the operating thermal amplitude of the product. The operating temperature at which the oil can be operated varies from twenty-five degrees minus to one hundred and forty plus.
The manufacturer and consumers of TAD-17 oil note the following functional indicators:
- Increasing the wear resistance of machine parts and components operating under temperature changes and friction.
- High anti-corrosion criteria, which increases the resistance of mechanisms to rust.
- Preventing the formation of nicks on parts and transformations of transport metal structures, which reduces the “sticking” factor of devices.
- Minimizing noise during operation of units.
- Heat resistance and prevention of foaming during intensive vehicle operation.
- High heat dissipation rates during intense friction, which is characterized by high temperatures.
- High lubrication criteria.
TAD-17 oil is used to reliably protect transport units, as well as extend their service life. According to the instructions, the service life of the lubricant is calculated by the mileage of the vehicle, varying from sixty to eighty thousand kilometers. Sold in almost all auto stores in containers of various sizes, it can also be sold on tap.
Specifications
If we look at the technical documentation, the wording of TAD-17 is considered outdated. Today it has been replaced by a newer one, TM-8-15, provided for by GOST 17479.2-85. Although there have been no changes in the chemical composition and performance requirements.
The state standard provides for extensive research of lubricants. However, most of the characteristics obtained in the research are applied narrowly and have practically no effect on real operating statistics. Let's look only at the main technical characteristics of the TAD-17.
- Base oil. The basis for TAD-17 (TM-8-15) is a highly purified mineral base with a low content of sulfur inclusions.
- Additives. This gear oil is modified with a standard additive package for lubricants of this level. Anti-foam, antioxidant, extreme pressure and thickening additives give the relatively simple mineral base high performance qualities.
- Viscosity. The kinematic viscosity of TAD-17 is studied at a temperature of 100 °C, that is, at the operating temperature of a heavily loaded transmission unit. For TAD-17 this parameter ranges from 14 to 25 cSt. Most manufacturers of this oil adhere to 17-18 cSt at 100 °C, which is reflected in the name of the lubricant.
- Viscosity index. GOST requires keeping the viscosity index for TAD-17 at a level of at least 100 units. Modern technologies for obtaining the mineral base and effective depressant additives make it possible to obtain the required indicator without any problems.
- Flash point. When heated in an open crucible, the oil in question ignites no earlier than after reaching a temperature of +200 °C. This is a high figure for a mineral lubricant.
- Pour point. The lubricant loses fluidity and becomes plastic no earlier than the temperature drops to –25 °C. This oil is not suitable for use in the Far North.
- Density. One liter of TAD-17 lubricant weighs 907 (+–1%) grams. Average for mineral-based lubricants.
As the results of independent studies have shown, today the characteristics of TAD-17 significantly exceed the minimum requirements established by GOST.
Performance indicators
High-quality lubricant should not contain mechanical impurities. The concentration of sulfur elements in TAD-17 is 2-2.4 percent. The ash content is three tenths of a percent. The flash point in an open crucible is 200 degrees.
Due to the fact that this petroleum product is classified as a consumable for transmission, special requirements are put forward for its properties. It should significantly reduce the wear of spare parts and prevent them from welding in areas of contact.
Oil liquid TAD-17
The operating period of the unit when using TAD-17 motor oil is greatly increased. This is due to the anti-seize additives contained in the consumables.
According to the SAE classification, which divides oils by viscosity, TAD-17 is classified as 85W-90. This is a heat-resistant petroleum product that significantly reduces the operating noise of the unit. The lubricant is not subject to foaming and provides excellent protection of transmission parts from corrosion. It can be safely poured into both new vehicles and cars with considerable mileage.
Composition and labeling
Transmission oil Tad-17, produced in accordance with the technical requirements of GOST 23652-79 (as well as its closest analogue - oil Tad-17i), is intended for use in domestic passenger cars. Suitable for manual transmissions (especially hypoid ones), drive axles, and some control systems of passenger cars with a classic rear-wheel drive layout. According to the international classification, it belongs to class GL-5 oils. It is not used in transmissions of trucks and heavily loaded special equipment, since it has initially increased viscosity, which increases the vehicle control effort (in such cases, Tep-15 lubricant is more in demand).
The composition of transmission oil Tad-17 includes:
- Naphthenic oil with a density of at least 860 kg/m3.
- Distillate oil.
- Extreme pressure additives containing sulfur and phosphorus.
- Anti-wear additives based on molybdenum disulfide.
- Other components (anti-foam, anti-delamination, etc.).
It is difficult to indicate the exact chemical composition of the lubricant in question, since manufacturers consider the percentage of additives they use to be their “know-how”, and often recommend “their” oil for certain types of vehicles. Explanation of markings: T - transmission, A - automobile, D - designed for long-term operation, 17 - average value of kinematic viscosity of the oil, mm2/s at 100ºC. Please note that recently this marking has been considered obsolete and is gradually being replaced by a new one, adapted to international requirements. This marking is given in GOST 17479.2-85.
In everyday expressions, Tad-17 lubricant is often called nigrol, although the chemical composition of nigrol is different in many ways: it contains practically no additives, and the actual range of parameters is wider than that of Tad-17.
The parts in the transmission work in constant friction with each other at high speed. The teeth in a gear drive experience very high pressure, so when lubricant is squeezed out of the gear mesh zone, the risk of damage to the teeth increases and wear on the contacting parts increases.
Thus, the main purpose of transmission oils is to create a strong lubricating film that can withstand heavy loads created by friction of parts. They are used at high pressures, a wide temperature range and high sliding speeds.
Universal all-season mineral TAD-17i is used for lubrication of bevel, cylindrical, worm, spiral-bevel, hypoid gears that experience high loads in automobile, tractor, electric vehicles, as well as industrial equipment. The nomenclature of TAD-17i lubricant is deciphered as follows:
- T – transmission;
- A - automobile;
- D - distillate;
- and – the composition uses a complex additive.
TAD-17i is created on a mineral basis with the addition of various functional additives. In addition to residual oils, it also contains distillate oils, which are obtained by fractional distillation of fuel oil. The composition of the lubricant promotes the formation of a lubricating film, which allows the transmission to operate smoothly under high loads and protects the contacting parts from premature wear.
Let's sum it up
TAD-17 copes with its tasks better in cold weather, but both options are suitable for moderate winters. TAD-17 is more effective under heavy loads and high speeds, protects friction unit parts well from damage, is more careful with rubber goods, and can be used on some types of domestic cars.
TEP-15 is used for tractors and agricultural machinery, reduces fuel consumption, reduces the effort when shifting gears, poorly protects parts from damage, wears out rubber goods and filters.
Source
Physical and mechanical properties
The oil belongs to the category of highly purified materials with a low content of sulfur additives. Technical characteristics depend on its physical and chemical properties, which in general look like this:
- The operating temperature of TAD 17 is in the range from -20°C to +135°C.
- Lubrication resource is about 80 thousand km. before replacement.
- Kinematic viscosity at 100°C is in the range of 14-25.
- The viscosity index is above 100, which meets the requirements of GOST.
- Density is 907 g/l.
- The pH of the oil is neutral.
We can say that all characteristics comply with GOST for this type of lubricants.
Release forms and articles
Products with viscosity grades 75W90, 85W90 and 80W90 are supplied to the market in one, three, four, ten and twenty liter containers.
Articles for purchasing the product:
- 107907;
- 1952;
- TAD-17I;
- 85W-90GL-5;
- 4660014060559;
- TAD-017-020;
- TAD-017-209;
- 10161;
- 80000309;
- 80000314.
From the video by MrWarriorSaint, you can learn about the main performance characteristics and properties of the TAD 17 product.
What is it made from?
Transmission fluid TAD-17 is made on the basis of mineral components. Its basis is fuel oil, from which the distillate components of the lubricant are separated through selective distillation. In addition, the composition includes residual ingredients and multi-functional additives, thanks to which the product has high quality indicators. The performance and performance criteria of the petroleum product are increased by adding anti-foam and depressant additives, phosphorus and sulfur-containing ingredients.
Transmission fluid composition
The product is freely available and is available in almost all specialized stores. The substance is sold by glass and in containers of various sizes. TAD-17 is based on special mineral components, namely, distillate ingredients that were obtained from the distillation of fuel oil.
Additionally, the product also contains multi-functional additives. Due to such additives, the lubricant acquires special performance properties. Here we can note phosphorus and sulfur, antifoaming and depressant substances.
Purpose
The oil is recommended for use in manual transmissions, axles and transfer mechanisms for domestic cars, but can also be used in other areas of mechanics:
- for agricultural machinery;
- for attachments;
- for stationary installations with rotating gear mechanisms.
- for long-term preservation of equipment.
This lubricant is not used for automatic transmissions.
TAD 17 is used for the following purposes:
- protection of metal surfaces from corrosion;
- reducing friction and wear;
- preventing jamming in mechanisms;
- from the formation of pitting (cavities) on gears;
- heat removal;
- reducing the noise of machinery.
Working properties of petroleum product
The production criteria for TAD-17i oil are usually specified in accordance with SAE, a community of automotive engineers that integrates lubricant products by viscosity. According to technical documentation according to SAE, the viscosity index of the product is marked with the code 85W-90, and according to the API criterion with the code GL-5. These criteria indicate the operating thermal amplitude of the product. The operating temperature at which the oil can be operated varies from twenty-five degrees minus to one hundred and forty plus.
The manufacturer and consumers of TAD-17 oil note the following functional indicators:
- Increasing the wear resistance of machine parts and components operating under temperature changes and friction.
- High anti-corrosion criteria, which increases the resistance of mechanisms to rust.
- Preventing the formation of nicks on parts and transformations of transport metal structures, which reduces the “sticking” factor of devices.
- Minimizing noise during operation of units.
- Heat resistance and prevention of foaming during intensive vehicle operation.
- High heat dissipation rates during intense friction, which is characterized by high temperatures.
- High lubrication criteria.
TAD-17 oil is used to reliably protect transport units, as well as extend their service life. According to the instructions, the service life of the lubricant is calculated by the mileage of the vehicle, varying from sixty to eighty thousand kilometers. Sold in almost all auto stores in containers of various sizes, it can also be sold on tap.
Scope of application
The transmission includes parts and mechanisms that are characterized by constant movement. Some components in the system influence each other, and at high speeds they are subject to friction and wear.
The transmission system contains teeth that are subject to severe impact and pressure when driving a vehicle. If the lubricant does not meet the specifications and is squeezed out of the gear contact area, the teeth begin to wear out and become deformed.
Therefore, experts recommend analyzing the technical characteristics of the oil during the selection process. TM TAD-17 is used to protect mechanisms and parts by creating a strong and thin film on rubbing surfaces. In this way, all components are protected and lubricated.
It is worth noting that the microfilm must have maximum strength, since the transmission mechanisms are subject to strong friction. Protective film TAD-17 provides rapid lubrication with maximum sliding and protection of transmission node mechanisms: gears, seals, oil seals, bearings. At the same time, the lubricant product is able to work regardless of climatic conditions and pressure.
Domestic car owners prefer to use TAD transmission lubricant. This all-season fluid ensures full functional operation of the transmission system. Therefore, it is recommended to use it for checkpoints, regardless of the climatic zones of Russian regions. It is recommended to fill the lubricant into gearboxes:
- conical;
- cylindrical;
- spiral-conical;
- hypoid;
- worm-type
These gearboxes are subject to maximum loads and therefore require the use of high-quality TM. The oil is also recommended for industrial systems, transmissions of electric cars and tractors.
Lubrication features
This lubricating fluid is a mineral product. It is used mainly in Russia and former post-Soviet countries. These are domestic products that are familiar to every professional driver. In Europe and America there are analogues that are produced by top oil refining concerns.
TAD 17 lubricant is an all-season product that contains extreme pressure properties and is positioned as multifunctional. The product can be used within a wide temperature range: in winter up to -25 °C, and the maximum possible temperature is 130-140 °C.
During the manufacture of transmission fluid, distillate components and residual elements are mixed into its composition. The base base contains additives containing sulfur and phosphorus, as well as depressant elements, which have universal capabilities. To prevent foaming of the product, anti-foaming agents are placed in the oil structure.
Correct oil change
To prevent damage to your vehicle due to errors when replacing lubricant, you must adhere to several rules:
- Do not mix mineral- and synthetic-based oils;
- it is extremely risky or completely unacceptable to use products of different brands, since they contain different additives that may be incompatible and negatively affect the mechanism;
- Engine oil should be refilled more often, transmission oil less often;
- The timing of changing the transmission fluid is indicated in the operating manual of the car or other unit. If they differ from the above service life of TAD-17, it is recommended to follow the instructions for the vehicle.
TAD-17 is distinguished by fairly high characteristics and is quite applicable for cars of domestic brands, especially in the southern regions of Russia, where there are no severe winters. Reviews from real drivers about this liquid vary, so it cannot be definitely recommended; each car owner has to choose between TAD-17 and imported analogues at his own discretion. In turn, you need to be careful when switching from one brand to another.
Replacing transmission fluid
The service life of the product averages 70-80 thousand kilometers. In this interval, the lubricant effectively copes with its characteristics and effectively lubricates all internal components of the gearbox.
The following symptoms may indicate that it is time to change the oil:
- jamming of structural elements of the gearbox;
- transmission overheating;
- jamming of speeds, difficulties in the operation of the transmission unit;
- the appearance of knocking and vibration when switching the gearshift lever, as well as while driving;
- burning smell coming from the gearbox.
Reviews from owners show that most consumers change the working fluid in their cars' gearboxes on their own:
- Replacement work is carried out on a flat horizontal surface. To complete the task, the car must be driven into a garage with a pit or onto an overpass.
- Drain the old oil from the gearbox, the procedure should be carried out on a warm gearbox, this will reduce the viscosity of the product and drain more of the substance from the unit. To drain, locate the hole located on the gearbox itself. Place a container under it to collect used oil and unscrew the plug. The draining procedure will begin.
- When the liquid comes out of the unit, evaluate the condition of the bolt that serves as the drain plug. It has a seal. If it is damaged or worn out, it must be replaced.
- Let's start filling the unit with liquid. Where the oil is poured depends on the design features of the transmission. Usually boxes are equipped with filler holes, but this may not be the case. If not available, use the inspection hole for refilling. Fill the system with the amount of lubricant indicated in the service manual for your car. Monitor the fluid level using the dipstick. If there is no meter, the check is carried out using the control hole - the lubricant should be in the area of the lower edge.
- Tighten the filler cap and start the engine. Let it idle for some time and you can perform a test drive. Then stop the engine, wait about half an hour, and then check the lubricant level again, if necessary, add fluid to the unit.
Changing transmission oil
The lubricant in the gearbox must be changed at the intervals specified in the operating manual. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the recommendations of the car manufacturer specified in the service book.
Replacing transmission consumables is not carried out as often as changing engine lubricant. You can pour mineral water into the gearbox, but universal or synthetic petroleum products are usually used.
Before pouring new oil, you need to find out what kind of lubricant has already been poured into the transmission unit. However, you can always use imported analogues of TAD-17, which have high performance indicators.
Remember that if a petroleum product begins to smell bad, in other words, stink, it needs to be replaced. A burning smell indicates the exhaustion of the service life. A sharp change in color is also a sign that the consumable needs to be changed. Do not delay replacement until later, otherwise various problems may occur in your car.
Nigrol or Tad-17: which is better?
When choosing a brand of gear oil, you should pay attention not to its name, but to its performance characteristics. They, firstly, must comply with the requirements of the standard, and, secondly, not have a large spread over the range. For example, if a little-known manufacturer indicates that the density of gear oil is in the range of 890...910 kg/m 3 (which formally does not exceed the permissible limits), then one can doubt the stability of the indicators: it is likely that such “nigrol” was obtained by mechanical mixing several components unknown to the consumer. The same caution applies to other parameters.
The most reliable producers of modern “nigrol” are the FOXY, Agrinol, and Oilright brands.
And finally: be careful with products that, judging by the label, are produced not according to GOST 23652-79, but according to industry specifications or, even worse, factory specifications!
Transmission oil TAD-17 is a prominent representative of Russian transmission oils. The wide scope of its application and accessibility generates logical interest among motorists.
Variation in terms
It’s worth starting with the fact that in our time two concepts coexist: “Nigrol” and nigrol. The quotation marks are significant. In the first case, we are talking about a brand of gear oil that is produced by some companies (in Russia, for example, FOXY, Lukoil and a number of others). In the second - about the general designation of lubricants obtained from certain types of oil, and necessarily containing a certain percentage of resinous substances, which is why they got their name (from the Latin word “niger”).
For classic nigrol, the starting raw material was oil from the Baku fields, while for the production of modern lubricants of the specified brand, the raw material source is not of fundamental importance. Consequently, the brand and composition of any material are different concepts, therefore “Nigrol” and nigrol are related by the area of rational application (gear oils) and the chemical base - naphthenic oils - from which the product is produced. That's all!
TAD 17 and TAP 15
Technical characteristics and dimensions of Niva 21213; 21214; 2131. Lada 212140 technical specifications. technical characteristics of Lada 212140
TAP 15 often has a “B” after the type of oil, which means all-season. Technical characteristics of TAP 15:
- Density at t 25ºС = 930 kg per m3;
- Viscosity at t 100ºС about 16:
- Pour point -20ºС;
- Sulfur content: no more than 3.0%;
Comparing these two oils, we note that TAP 15 is more used for specialized equipment. It is used in such machines and mechanisms as:
- in boxes and other rotating mechanisms on trucks and tractors, construction, road and agricultural special equipment;
- on conveyors of various industries, for lubrication of bevel, worm and spiral gears in various units and devices;
- mechanisms and gears operating with heavy loads on parts;
- for lubrication of railway rolling stock - locomotives and cars.
That is, there are also specifics of application for various types of technical devices.
Tad-17″ and Tad-17i. Differences
In the latest version of GOST 17479.2-85 (where, by the way, Tad-17 is already called TM-5-18, i.e., the average viscosity is increased to 18 mm 2 / s) it is mentioned as an analogue of transmission oil Tad-17i. How do these brands differ from each other?
Tad-17i lubricant actively uses imported additives (which was the reason for the appearance of the additional letter in the marking). The changes affected those additives that are responsible for anti-wear and anti-foam characteristics. In particular, the usual molybdenum disulfide has been replaced with Molyslip XR250R, which is more stable at elevated temperatures. This replacement prevents the thermal decomposition of molybdenum disulfide (at 300ºC it turns into corrosive molybdenum trioxide), and contributes to the efficient functioning of the vehicle's mechanical transmissions.
As a comparison, here are the technical characteristics of the Tad-17i transmission oil:
- Density at room temperature, kg/m3, no more than – 907.
- Viscosity at 100ºС, mm 2 /s, not less than – 17.5.
- Operating temperature range, ºС – from -25 to +140.
- Serviceability, thousand km – at least 80.
- Flash point, ºС, not lower than – 200.
Transmission oil brand Tad-17i withstands a corrosion resistance test for 3 hours at temperatures of 100...120 º C. Thus, its advantages are manifested under extreme operating conditions.
Video “Lubricant test in cold conditions”
User Yaroslav Gukov in his video demonstrated the result of testing transmission oil TAD 17 at an air temperature of -36 degrees.
TAD 17 oil is optimal for use in manual transmissions. Lubrication allows transfer cases and drive axles to function correctly.
Today, manufacturers provide drivers with a large selection of petroleum products for transmission. Among them, TAD transmission oil is especially popular.
Advantages and disadvantages
Lubricant TAD 17 has the following operational advantages:
- Increases the lifespan of transmission equipment.
- Provides high wear resistance parameters to all friction elements.
- It prevents the formation of pitting manifestations on metal surfaces, that is, corrosion ulcers.
- Has unsurpassed antioxidant properties.
- It has a stable viscosity, even under enormous circulation overloads.
- Does not foam.
- Cools metal parts and components, removing excess heat to the body.
- Prevents binding and jamming of a variety of gears, from hypoid to bevel and spur gears.
- The products are manufactured strictly according to GOST standards.
- The oil has a universal application structure and is multifunctional.
- Can be used at any time of the year.
Products undergo many tests for suitability and stability and are subject to constant research to ensure compliance with modern requirements in the field of fuel and lubricants operation.
SINTOIL TM5-18 (GL-5) SAE 80W-90
Only the highest quality raw materials are used to produce the lubricant. Thanks to foreign additives, the oil reliably protects parts under high loads and low temperatures.
Advantages:
- Prevents the appearance of scuffing.
- Has excellent antioxidant characteristics.
- Increases the service life of the box.
- Never foams.
- Prevents the appearance of harmful deposits on the surface of the box parts.
- Excellent fluidity, even at sub-zero temperatures.
Unique friction properties make it possible to fully protect gears and bearings from increased wear. Gears shift smoothly, without jamming. The box operates almost silently.
Tad-17: price per liter
The price range for this brand of gear oil is determined by the financial policy of the manufacturers, as well as the packaging of the products. The price range for the product varies depending on its packaging:
- In large packaging (barrels of 180...195 kg) - up to 55 rubles/l.
- In medium packaging (20 l canisters) – up to 80 rubles/l.
- In small packaging (1 liter canisters) – up to 100 rubles/liter.
Dumping the price of Tad-17 may indicate poor-quality technology for preparing the lubricant, the likelihood of its dilution during the packaging process, as well as the replacement of some components with cheaper analogues. Therefore, in doubtful situations, it makes sense to familiarize yourself with the product certificate and check whether the technical characteristics of the lubricant comply with the current standards.
Analogs
TAD 17 oil is not available today. Instead, you can find an analogue of TM-5-18. If you cannot find this product on sale, then you can purchase any other lubricant that meets the above characteristics. The main thing is that the product belongs to API class GL-4.
What oils can be used instead of TAD 17:
- Motul;
- Castrol Synstrans;
- Castrol Manual;
- Castrol Syntrax Universal;
- Liquid Moly;
- Zeke;
- VAG;
- Mobile;
- Lukoil;
- Alpine Gear;
- Mannol Universal;
- Hexol Sinline;
- Favorite;
- Yukoil;
- Titan Supergear.
Similar products
Today, the product with this particular marking has been discontinued. Its closest brother can be called TM-5-18. The technical characteristics of the TAD 17 oil analogue are almost the same. This product meets the requirements of the American Petroleum Institute API, having a quality specification of GL-5 or GL-4.
Also, similar transmission fluids are produced by Castrol, Motul, Liquid Moly, ZIK, ExxonMobil, Lukoil and many other oil refining companies. All oils are united by a high viscosity class, characteristic of this group of lubricants.
Domestic manufacturers
Today, the formulation TAD-17 has practically gone out of use, since GOST has changed, and also because motorists are mostly familiar with API and SAE standards. Let's take a brief look at some Russian analogues of the TAD-17:
Gazpromneft 80W90. Also meets GL-5 standard.
That is, it is similar in operating parameters to TAD-17. Available in containers of 1, 4 and 5 liters for ordinary motorists. Wholesale buyers can purchase this lubricant in containers of 20 and 200 liters.
Lukoil TM-5 80W-90. Also a modern analogue of the TAD-17.
Most often sold in containers of 1 and 4 liters. It is somewhat less common than Gazpromneft.
OilRight TAD-17.
One of the few manufacturers that have retained the traditional name for this gear oil. SAE and API ratings are the same as other oils.
Reviews
Opinions about the TAD-17 from real car owners, published on specialized forums, are not unanimous. Some users are absolutely satisfied with the products of this brand, while others have serious complaints about them. The authors of positive reviews highly appreciate the quality of TAD-17, noting the good functioning of the manual transmission when driving and believing that it is unfair to blame this fluid for transmission breakdowns.
Positive | Negative |
I have been using TAD-17 oil for three years now. I am quite satisfied with the quality and characteristics. The instructions say that it needs to be changed after 60-80 thousand kilometers. I changed it after 70 thousand. There are almost no complaints about the product. True, problems arise at a temperature of minus 15 degrees, the engine does not start well, but when driving the gears shift normally. | TAD-17i oil is not suitable for severe frosts, since the car may simply not start, as happened in my case. The weather outside was frosty - the temperature was minus 25 degrees. He didn’t get behind the wheel, but out of habit, he reached for the ignition key and started the engine. The lubricant in the box became thick, and the clutch was not depressed, so the engine could not withstand such a load and stalled. The second time there was not enough battery charge. I had to push start it. I do not recommend this oil for winter. |
I think that TAD 17 is a normal oil, and what they say about it is suspicious. Transmission breakdowns do not occur due to lubrication, but for other reasons. If it is missing, then problems with the transmission are guaranteed. | TAD-17 was a good lubricant many years ago. Today it is made from waste. Try pouring it into your car and driving 10-15 thousand km. Then drain and examine the remains. Draw conclusions about quality. |
I would like to share my impression of the Sobol TAD-17i transmission oil, which I use in my car. My opinion: the lubricant is not bad; the additives it contains improve the performance of the units and extend the service life of parts. | Tad 17i finished production somewhere in the 90s. At that time it was a good oil with a complex of additives. What is now sold under this brand has nothing to do with the oil produced in those years. I can assure you that modern Tad17i cannot be used anywhere - it is far from being a real lubricant. |
There is a widespread opinion that TAD-17 is not the best choice for owners of foreign cars, for whom the mentioned analogue oils are better suited. One way or another, the fluid performs its main function - it extends the life of the manual transmission and other transmission elements.
Drivers' opinions
The majority of people using this product are owners of domestic cars. There are positive and negative reviews about it. Drivers note the lubricant’s good resistance to oxidation and burnout and allow themselves to change it at the maximum possible interval - after 70–80 thousand kilometers.
Negative reviews include the effect of the lubricant in the cold season. At -15°C the machine cannot be operated without warming up, as the oil becomes very thick.