In lubricating oils and hydraulic fluids by atomic emission spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrophotometry is presented. Improved analyses of Ag, Cd, and Na were also accomplished. Metal powder suspensions In hydraulic fluids and lubricating oils were reacted with a small amount of an add mixture containing hydrofluoric, nitric, and hydrochloric acids and analyzed by a DCP emission spectrometer. The recoveries of Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mo, NI, Pb, SI, Sn, TI, and Zn ranged from 89% to 102% with relative standard deviations from 2% to 12%. In addition to the metal powder suspensions, aircraft, automobile, and diesel truck engine oils and aircraft hydraulic fluids were analyzed by atomic emission spectrometry and flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry.