2018 Chevrolet Equinox Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios

The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox offers a versatile powertrain lineup, with various transmission and axle ratio combinations designed to cater to different driving needs, from fuel efficiency to towing capability. Understanding these ratios is crucial for maximizing your vehicle's performance and longevity.

Transmission gear ratios

The 2018 Equinox was available with three primary engine options, each paired with a specific transmission:

1.5L Turbo I4 Engine (LYX) - GM 6T40 6-speed automatic

2.0L Turbo I4 Engine (LTG) - GM 9T50 9-speed automatic

1.6L Turbo-Diesel I4 Engine (LH7) - GM 6T45 6-speed automatic

Available axle ratios

The axle ratio, also known as the final drive ratio, plays a significant role in how the engine's power is delivered to the wheels.

Note: Specific RPO codes for the 2.0L Turbo and 1.6L Turbo-Diesel may vary; a comprehensive RPO sticker check is recommended.

How to identify your axle ratio

For General Motors vehicles like the Equinox, the easiest way to identify your vehicle's axle ratio is by checking the Service Parts Identification (RPO) sticker. This sticker is typically located on the glove box door, inside the center console, or on the driver's side door jamb. Look for a three-digit code starting with "G." Common codes include:

• GU6: 3.17 axle ratio
• G84: 3.50 axle ratio
• GT4: 2.89 axle ratio

If the sticker is missing or unreadable, a VIN decoder can often provide this information. For other manufacturers like Ford or Ram, an axle tag on the differential housing is common, while a VIN decoder may also work.

Towing vs MPG impact

The axle ratio has a direct impact on your vehicle's towing capability and fuel economy:

• Numerically Lower Ratios (e.g., 2.89, 3.17): These ratios mean the engine rotates fewer times for each rotation of the wheels. This results in lower engine RPM at cruising speeds, leading to better fuel economy. However, it also means less torque multiplication at the wheels, which can reduce towing capacity and acceleration.
• Numerically Higher Ratios (e.g., 3.50): Conversely, higher ratios mean the engine rotates more times for each wheel rotation. This provides greater torque multiplication, improving towing performance and acceleration. The trade-off is higher engine RPM at cruising speeds, which can decrease fuel efficiency.

For the 2018 Equinox, if you frequently tow or live in an area with steep inclines, an axle ratio closer to 3.50 would be more beneficial. If your priority is maximizing fuel economy for highway driving, the 2.89 or 3.17 ratios are more suitable.

Common issues

While generally reliable, certain drivetrain components can experience issues. Common problems related to axle ratios and transmissions can include:

• Ring & Pinion Whine: A distinct howling or whining noise that changes with vehicle speed, often indicating wear or improper setup of the differential gears. This can be exacerbated by heavy towing or lack of fluid changes.
• Carrier Bearing Wear: The bearings supporting the differential carrier can wear out, leading to humming or growling noises, particularly noticeable during acceleration or deceleration. If neglected, it can lead to more significant damage.
• Limited-Slip Clutch Wear: For vehicles equipped with limited-slip differentials, the clutch packs can wear out over time, leading to a loss of traction in slippery conditions. Symptoms may include shuddering or chattering during turns. The Equinox uses an open differential or an electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system, so this is less common, but proper fluid maintenance is still critical for AWD components.

Regular maintenance, including fluid checks and changes according to the manufacturer's schedule, can help prevent these issues and extend the life of your driveline components.

Find a driveline shop on Repairius.