06/07/2026 by Daniel Tait
If the lubricant you use has become tough to source or suddenly been discontinued, finding an equivalent is the action required. Unfortunately, “equivalent” is among the most misused terms in lubrication. You can take two products that have the same viscosity number, and they will behave entirely different in service.
Here, we take an in-depth look at the process of picking an equivalent oil for one that is no longer available. We’ll explain what a real equivalent lubricant is and the key properties that must match and highlight an error that catches many buyers out. We’ll also offer simple and straightforward options for finding a new lubricant you can rely on.
An overview of searching for an equivalent lubricant
Whether you need to replace hydraulic oil or gear oil, tracking down an appropriate substitute for a discontinued lubricant begins by matching the key characteristics of the oil previously used with the new alternatives. These include the thickness of the oil (viscosity), its base oil type and the additive package designed to enhance or suppress properties of the base oil (or add brand-new ones). The quickest way to locate an oil that will serve sufficiently is to make use of available industry-standard lubricant cross-reference tools.
Steps to take to track down an equivalent lubricant
Just like a journey of a thousand miles, finding an equivalent oil, grease or fluid to replace a product that a company no longer makes starts with a single step. Lubricant users must first identify the specifications of the oil they previously relied on so they can find a suitable alternative.
Locate the discontinued lubricant’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or Product Data Sheet (PDS). If you no longer have the original paperwork, you will typically be able to track down digital formats stored online. OEMs can also be contacted for the information. Examining the data sheets there are key attributes to identifying viscosity, base oil and additive packages.
To find the old oil’s viscosity grade, look for either its ISO grade or SAE weight. To determine the base oil, make a note of whether it is mineral oil, food grade or a synthetic solution with an ester or PAO-based formulation. Finally, see what its additive package contains. For instance, does it include anti-corrosion inhibitors, extreme pressure (EP) additives or anti-wear and anti-foaming agents?
Using lubrication brand cross-reference tools
From Shell to Fuchs, most leading lubricant distributors and manufacturers supply digital tools that can immediately convert competitor or obsolete product numbers into currently available oils, fluids and greases. However, different tools are better suited to specific matching tasks and applications.
If you’re looking to access multi-brand matches, you can use the Petroleum Service Company Cross-Reference tool. Simply enter the precise name of the discontinued product into the search field to find an appropriate replacement in the extensive database.
For air compressor applications, operators searching for a suitable alternative can use the NEXT Lubricants Cross-Reference Tool, while companies requiring only European or UK brands can ask for equivalency breakdowns and specific quote matches from providers based in the UK, such as Thames Lubricants.
Pitfalls to avoid when seeking a replacement lubricant
While it might seem simple to find a dependable alternative for a discontinued product, mistakes can still be made. This includes matching oil just using viscosity grades alone.
Viscosity numbers only detail the lubricant thickness. They don’t tell you what it is designed for. For example, a hydraulic oil, a turbine oil and a compressor oil may share the same viscosity grade, but used in place of each, they can cause damage to machinery they aren’t compatible with.
Seek specialist advice on lubricant formulation
If a direct substitute is not listed in a cross-reference tool, the best move is to contact a distributor for guidance. Older oils can often cause harm to newer components that need specific modern additives. Those working with legacy machinery with unique lubrications requirements can find Practical Machinist a valuable resource. The site sees industry experts discuss ways to intelligently evaluate lubricants that are now obsolete.
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