ASTM D4950-01(2004)e1
(Classification)Standard Classification and Specification of Automotive Service Greases
Standard Classification and Specification of Automotive Service Greases
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers lubricating greases suitable for the periodic relubrication of chassis systems and wheel bearings of passenger cars, trucks, and other vehicles.
1.2 This specification defines the requirements used to describe the properties and performance characteristics of chassis greases and wheel bearing greases for service-fill applications.
1.3 The test requirements (acceptance limits) given in this specification are, as the case may be, minimum or maximum acceptable values for valid duplicate test results. No additional corrections for test precision, such as described in Practice D 3244, are to be applied inasmuch as the precision of the test methods was taken into account in the determination of the requirements.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in inch-pound units are for information only.
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An American National Standard
e1
Designation: D 4950 – 01 (Reapproved 2004)
Standard Classification and Specification for
,
1 2
Automotive Service Greases
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4950; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
e NOTE—Parts of speech were added to Section 3 editorially in June 2004.
INTRODUCTION
This specification describes current categories of lubricating greases for automotive service-fill
applications. A specific designation is assigned to each category. The system is open ended, that is,
new designations are assigned for use with new categories as each new set of grease performance
characteristics is defined. Grease categories are referenced by automotive manufacturers in making
lubrication recommendations and used by grease suppliers and users in identifying products for
specific applications.
1. Scope D566 Test Method for Dropping Point of Lubricating
Grease
1.1 Thisspecificationcoverslubricatinggreasessuitablefor
D1264 Test Method for Determining the Water Washout
the periodic relubrication of chassis systems and wheel bear-
Characteristics of Lubricating Greases
ings of passenger cars, trucks, and other vehicles.
D1742 Test Method for Oil Separation from Lubricating
1.2 This specification defines the requirements used to
Grease During Storage
describe the properties and performance characteristics of
D1743 Test Method for Corrosion Preventive Properties of
chassis greases and wheel bearing greases for service-fill
Lubricating Greases
applications.
D2265 Test Method for Dropping Point of Lubricating
1.3 The test requirements (acceptance limits) given in this
Grease over Wide Temperature Range
specification are, as the case may be, minimum or maximum
D2266 Test Method for Wear Preventive Characteristics of
acceptable values for valid duplicate test results. No additional
Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Method)
corrections for test precision, such as described in Practice
D2596 Test Method for Measurement of Extreme-Pressure
D3244, are to be applied inasmuch as the precision of the test
Properties of Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Method)
methods was taken into account in the determination of the
D3244 Practice for Utilization of Test Data to Determine
requirements.
Conformance with Specifications
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
D3527 Test Method for Life Performance of Automotive
standard. The values given in inch-pound units are for infor-
Wheel Bearing Grease
mation only.
D4170 Test Method for FrettingWear Protection by Lubri-
2. Referenced Documents
cating Greases
D 4175 Terminology Relating to Petroleum, Petroleum
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Products, and Lubricants
D217 Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating
D4289 Test Method for Elastomer Compatibility of Lubri-
Grease
cating Greases and Fluids
D4290 Test Method for Determining the Leakage Tenden-
This classification and specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM
cies ofAutomotive Wheel Bearing Grease UnderAcceler-
Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsi-
ated Conditions
bility of Subcommittee D02.B0 on Automotive Lubricants.
D 4693 Test Method for Low-Temperature Torque of
Current edition approved May 1, 2004. Published June 2004. Originally
published in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 2001 as D4950–01.
Grease-Lubricated Wheel Bearings
This classification and specification was developed as a cooperative effort
2.2 SAE Standards:
among the American Society for Testing and Materials, the National Lubricating
Grease Institute (NLGI), and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from Society of Automotive Engineers, 400 Commonwealth Drive,
the ASTM website. Warrendale, PA 15096.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
e1
D 4950 – 01 (2004)
AMS 3217A Standard Elastomer Stock-Test Slabs 3.2.7 multipurpose grease, n—anautomotiveservicegrease
AMS 3217/2B Test Slabs, Acrylonitrile Butadiene (NBR- suitable for both chassis and wheel bearing lubrication.
L)-Low Acrylonitrile, 65-75 3.2.7.1 Discussion—Commercial lubricating greases other
AMS 3217/3B Test Slabs Chloroprene (CR)-65-75 than automotive service greases are often designated as mul-
SAE J310 Automotive Lubricating Greases tipurpose greases.
3.3 Abbreviations:
3. Terminology
ASTM—American Society for Testing and Materials
3.1 Definitions:
NLGI—National Lubricating Grease Institute
3.1.1 lubricant, n—any material interposed between two SAE—Society of Automotive Engineers
surfaces that reduces the friction or wear between them.
D 4175 4. Performance Classification
3.1.2 lubricating grease, n—a semi-fluid to solid product of
4.1 Automotive service greases are classified into two
a dispersion of a thickener in a liquid lubricant.
general groups. Those designated with an “L” prefix (chassis
3.1.2.1 Discussion—Thedispersionofthethickenerformsa
greases) are intended for the service lubrication of ball joints,
two-phase system and immobilizes the liquid lubricant by
steering pivots, universal joints, and other chassis components
surface tension and other physical forces. Other ingredients
as designated by the equipment manufacturer. Those desig-
imparting special properties are often included. D 217
nated with a “G” prefix are intended primarily for the service
3.1.3 thickener, n—in lubricating grease, a substance com-
lubrication of wheel bearings. These groups are further subdi-
posed of finely-divided particles dispersed in a liquid to form
vided into categories with intended service applications as
the product’s structure.
follows:
3.1.3.1 Discussion—The thickener can be fibers (such as
4.1.1 LA—Service typical of chassis components and uni-
various metallic soaps) or plates or spheres (such as certain
versaljointsinpassengercars,trucks,andothervehiclesunder
non-soap thickeners) which are insoluble or, at the most, only
mild duty only. Mild duty will be encountered in vehicles
very slightly soluble in the liquid lubricant. The general
operatedwithfrequentrelubricationinnoncriticalapplications.
requirements are that the solid particles be extremely small,
4.1.2 LB—Service typical of chassis components and uni-
uniformlydispersed,andcapableofformingarelativelystable,
versaljointsinpassengercars,trucks,andothervehiclesunder
gel-like structure with the liquid lubricant. D 217
mild to severe duty. Severe duty will be encountered in
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
vehicles operated under conditions which may include pro-
3.2.1 automotive service grease, n—a lubricating grease
longed relubrication intervals, or high loads, severe vibration,
suitable for the periodic relubrication of serviceable-type,
exposure to water or other contaminants, etc.
chassis components or wheel bearings of passenger cars,
4.1.3 GA—Service typical of wheel bearings operating in
trucks, and other vehicles and distinct from factory-fill greases
passenger cars, trucks, and other vehicles under mild duty.
(also known as initial-fill and OEM greases) initially installed
Mild duty will be encountered in vehicles operated with
by the original equipment manufacturer.
frequent relubrication in noncritical applications.
3.2.2 category, n—with respect to automotive service
4.1.4 GB—Service typical of wheel bearings operating in
grease,adesignation,suchasLB,GC,etc.,foragivenlevelof
passenger cars, trucks, and other vehicles under mild to
performance in standardized tests.
moderate duty. Moderate duty will be encountered in most
3.2.3 chassis grease, n—an automotive service grease used
vehicles operated under normal urban, highway, and off-
to lubricate ball joints, steering pivots, universal joints, and,
highway service.
other lubrication points designated in the vehicle owner’s
4.1.5 GC—Service typical of wheel bearings operating in
service guide.
passenger cars, trucks, and other vehicles under mild to severe
3.2.4 classification, n—with respect to automotive service
duty. Severe duty will be encountered in certain vehicles
grease,thesystematicarrangementintocategoriesaccordingto
operated under conditions resulting in high bearing tempera-
differing levels of performance.
tures. This includes vehicles operated under frequent stop-
3.2.5 “G” category group, n—automotive service greases
and-go service (buses, taxis, urban police cars, etc), or under
of such composition, properties, and performance characteris-
severebrakingservice(trailertowing,heavyloading,mountain
tics as to be suitable for the service lubrication of those types
driving, etc.).
of wheel bearings that require periodic relubrication.
3.2.6 “L” category group, n—automotiveservicegreasesof
such composition, properties, and performance characteristics
as to be suitable for the service lubrication of those types of The letter designations for the grease categories and the corresponding
Performance Classification descriptions in Section 4 were developed by an ad hoc
suspension, steering, and drive-line components that require
panel of the NLGI Literature Subcommittee in cooperation with ASTM
periodic relubrication.
D02.B0.04.02, (Subsection on) Automotive Grease Specifications. Although these
designations and descriptions of the categories have been adopted in toto in this
standard, the NLGI Literature Subcommittee retains jurisdiction over them as
With respect to elastomerAMS 3217/2A, the elastomer specification has been publishedin,“ChassisandWheelBearingServiceClassificationSystem,”available
superseded by AMS 3217/2B. Per SAE, the elastomers are identical, however the fromtheNationalLubricatingGreaseInstitute,4635WyandotteStreet,KansasCity,
synthetic lubricant immersion fluid used to reference the elastomer has been MO 64112. It is the intention of Subcommittee D02.B to include in this standard
exchanged from ARM-200 to AMS 3021. Reference fluid AMS 3021 better future revisions to these descriptions providing they are deemed acceptable by
represents current market aviation fluids. ASTM.
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D 4950 – 01 (2004)
TABLE 1 “L” Chassis Grease Categories
Acceptance
Category Test Property
Limit
A
LA D 217 Consistency, worked penetration, mm/10 220–340
D 566 or D 2265 Dropping point,° C, min 80
D 2266 Wear protection, scar diameter, mm, max 0.9
D 4289 Elastomer SAE AMS 3217/3B Compatibility:
Volume change, % 0 to 40
Hardness change, Durometer-A points −15 to 0
A
LB D 217 Consistency, worked penetration, mm/10 220–340
D 566 or D 2265 Dropping point,° C, min 150
D 2266 Wear protection, scar diameter, mm, max 0.6
D 4289 Elastomer SAE AMS 3217/3B compatibility:
Volume change, % 0 to 40
Hardness change, Durometer-A points −15 to 0
D 1742 Oil separation, mass %, max 10
D 1743 Rust protection, rating, max Pass
D 2596 EP performance:
Load wear index, kgf, min 30
Weld point, kgf, min 200
B
D 4170 Fretting protection, mass loss, mg, max 10
D 4693 Low-temperature performance, torque at − 40°C, N·m, max 15.5
A
Vehicle manufacturer’s requirement may be more restrictive; grease containers should display NLGI Consistency Number as well as category designation.
B
The fretting wear requirement is significant in passenger car and light-duty truck service, but it has not been shown to be significant in heavy-duty truck applications.
5. Performance Description 160°C (320°F). During its service life, the grease shall resist
oxidation, evaporation, and consistency degradation while
5.1 The performance characteristics of the several catego-
protecting the bearings from corrosion and wear. NLGI 2
ries of automotive service greases are described as follows:
consistency greases are commonly recommended, but NLGI 1
5.1.1 LA—The grease shall satisfactorily lubricate chassis
or 3 grades may also be recommended.
components and universal joints where frequent relubrication
5.1.5 GC—The grease shall satisfactorily lubricate wheel
is practiced (at intervals of 3200 km or 2000 miles or less for
bearings over a wide temperature range. The bearing tempera-
passengercars).Duringitsservicelife,thegreaseshouldresist
tures may range down to−40°C (−40°F), with frequent
oxidation and consistency degradation and protect the chassis
excursions to 160°C (320°F) and occasional excursions to
components and universal joints from corrosion and wear
200°C (392°F). During its service life, the grease shall resist
under lightly loaded conditions. NLGI 2 consistency greases
oxidation, evaporation, and consistency degradation while
are commonly recommended, but other grades may also be
protecting the bearings from corrosion and wear. NLGI No. 2
recommended. (NLGI Consistency Numbers are shown in
consistency greases are commonly recommended, but NLGI
Table X1.1 of the appendix.)
No. 1 or No. 3 grades may also be recommended.
5.1.2 LB—The grease shall satisfactorily lubricate chassis
components and universal joints at temperatures as low
6. Performance Requirements
as−40°C (−40°F) and at temperatures as high as 120°C
(248°F)overprolongedrelubricationintervals(morethan3200 6.1 The greases identified by these categories shall conform
totherequirementslistedinTable1andTable2.Aguidetothe
km or 2000 miles for passenger cars). During its service life,
the grease should resist oxidation and consistency degradation requirementsofallthegreasecategoriesisgiveninTableX1.2
of the appendix.
while protecting the chassis components and universal joints
6.2 The consistency requirements in Table 1 and Table 2
from corrosion and wear even when aqueous contamination
cover NLGI Consistency Numbers 1 through 3 (see Table
and heavily loaded conditions occur. NLGI 2 consistency
X1.1). However, because the equipment manufacturers recom-
greases are commonly recommended, but other grades may
mendations may be more restrictive, it is recommended that
also be recommended.
greasecontainersdisplaytheconsistencynumberaswellasthe
5.1.3 GA—The grease shall satisfactorily lubricate wheel
bearings over a limited temperature range. Many products of grease category designation.
6.3 Some grease makers market products under the term
this type are limited to bearing temperatures of−20 to 70°C
(−4 to 158°F). No additional performance requirements are multipurpose grease,implyingorstatingthatsuchproductsare
suitable for b
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