ASTM F2489-06(2022)
(Guide)Standard Guide for Instrument and Precision Bearing Lubricants—Part 2 Greases
Standard Guide for Instrument and Precision Bearing Lubricants—Part 2 Greases
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The purpose of this guide is to report on the testing of, to discuss and compare the properties of, and to provide guidelines for the choice of lubricating greases for precision rolling element bearings (PREB). The PREB are, for the purposes of this guide, meant to include bearings of Annular Bearing Engineer's Committee (ABEC) 5 quality and above. This guide limits its scope to lubricating greases used in PREB.
4.2 The number of lubricating greases used in PREB increased dramatically from the early 1940s to the mid 1990s. In the beginning of this period, petroleum products were the only widely available base stocks. Later, synthetic base oils became available. They included synthetic hydrocarbons, esters, silicones, multiply alkylated cyclopentanes (MAC) and fluorinated materials, including perfluorinated ethers and the fluorosilicones. This broad spectrum of lubricant choices has led to the use of a large number of different lubricants in PREB applications. The U.S. Department of Defense, as a user of many PREB, has seen a significant increase in the logistics effort required to support the procurement and distribution of these items. In addition, as time has passed, some of the greases used in certain PREB are no longer available or require improved performances due to advanced bearing technology/requirements. This implies that replacement lubricating greases must be found, especially in this era of extending the lifetime of DoD assets, with the consequent and unprojected demand for sources of replacement parts.
4.3 One of the primary goals of this study was to take a broad spectrum of the lubricating greases used in PREB and do a comprehensive series of tests on them in order that their properties could be compared and, if necessary, potential replacement greases be identified. This study is also meant to be a design guide for choosing lubricating greases for future PREB applications. This guide represents a collective effort of many members of this co...
SCOPE
1.1 This guide is a tool to aid in the choice of lubricating grease for precision rolling element bearing applications. The recommendations in this guide are not intended for general purpose bearing applications There are two areas where this guide should have the greatest impact: (1) when lubricating grease is being chosen for a new bearing application and (2) when grease for a bearing has to be replaced because the original grease specified for the bearing can no longer be obtained. The Report (see Section 5) contains a series of tests on a wide variety of greases commonly used in bearing applications to allow comparisons of those properties of the grease that the committee thought to be most important when making a choice of lubricating grease. Each test was performed by the same laboratory. This guide contains a listing of the properties of greases by base oil type, that is, ester, perfluoropolyether (PFPE), polyalphaolefin (PAO), and so forth. This organization is necessary since the operational requirements in a particular bearing application may limit the choice of grease to a particular base oil type and thickener due to its temperature stability, viscosity index or temperature-vapor pressure characteristics, etc. The guide provides data to assist the user in selecting replacement greases for those greases tested that are no longer available. The guide also includes a glossary of terms used in describing/discussing the lubrication of precision and instrument bearings.
1.2 The lubricating greases presented in this guide are commonly used in precision rolling element bearings (PREB). These greases were selected for the testing based on the grease survey obtained from DoD, OEM and grease manufactures and evaluated according to the test protocol that was designed by Subcommittee F34 on Tribology. This test protocol covers the essential requirements identified for precision bearing greases. The performance requirem...
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2489 − 06 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Guide for
Instrument and Precision Bearing Lubricants—Part 2
Greases
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2489; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope The performance requirements of these greases are very
unique. They are dictated by the performance expectations of
1.1 This guide is a tool to aid in the choice of lubricating
precision bearings including high speed, low noise, extended
grease for precision rolling element bearing applications. The
life, and no contamination of surrounding components by the
recommendations in this guide are not intended for general
bearing’s lubricant system. To increase the reliability of test
purpose bearing applications There are two areas where this
data, all tests were performed by a DoD laboratory and three
guide should have the greatest impact: (1) when lubricating
independent testing laboratories. There were no grease manu-
grease is being chosen for a new bearing application and (2)
facturer’s data imported except for base oil viscosity. Most of
when grease for a bearing has to be replaced because the
tests were performed by U.S. Army Tank–Automotive
original grease specified for the bearing can no longer be
Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC)
obtained. The Report (see Section 5) contains a series of tests
and three independent laboratories, and the results were moni-
on a wide variety of greases commonly used in bearing
tored by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). This continu-
applications to allow comparisons of those properties of the
ity of testing should form a solid basis for comparing the
grease that the committee thought to be most important when
properties of the multitude of lubricating greases tested by
makingachoiceoflubricatinggrease.Eachtestwasperformed
avoiding some of the variability introduced when greases are
by the same laboratory. This guide contains a listing of the
tested by different laboratories using different or even the
properties of greases by base oil type, that is, ester, perfluo-
“same” procedures. Additional test data will be considered for
ropolyether (PFPE), polyalphaolefin (PAO), and so forth. This
inclusion, provided the defined protocol is followed and the
organization is necessary since the operational requirements in
tests are performed by independent laboratories.
a particular bearing application may limit the choice of grease
toaparticularbaseoiltypeandthickenerduetoitstemperature 1.3 This study was a part of DoD Aging Aircraft Replace-
stability, viscosity index or temperature-vapor pressure ment Program and supported by Defense Logistic Agent
characteristics,etc.Theguideprovidesdatatoassisttheuserin (DLA) and Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR).
selecting replacement greases for those greases tested that are
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
nolongeravailable.Theguidealsoincludesaglossaryofterms
as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
used in describing/discussing the lubrication of precision and
standard.
instrument bearings.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1.2 The lubricating greases presented in this guide are
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
commonly used in precision rolling element bearings (PREB).
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
These greases were selected for the testing based on the grease
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
surveyobtainedfromDoD,OEMandgreasemanufacturesand
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
evaluated according to the test protocol that was designed by
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
Subcommittee F34 on Tribology. This test protocol covers the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
essential requirements identified for precision bearing greases.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F34 on Rolling
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Element Bearings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F34.02 on
Tribology.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2022. Published August 2022. Originally Rhee,In-Sik,“PrecisionBearingGreaseSelectionGuide,” U.S.Army TARDEC
approvedin2006.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin2013asF2489–06(2013).DOI: Technical Report No. 15688, Defense Technical Information Center, 8725 John. J.
10.1520/F2489-06R22. Kingman Rd., Suite 0944, Ft. Belvoir, VA 22060–6218.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2489 − 06 (2022)
2. Referenced Documents MIL-L-15719 High Temperature Electrical Bearing Grease
3 DoD-G-24508 Multipurpose Grease
2.1 ASTM Standards:
2.3 Industrial Standards:
D217 Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating
SKF Be-Quite Noise Test Method
Grease
TA Rheometry Procedure for Steady Shear Flow Curve
D972 Test Method for Evaporation Loss of Lubricating
Wet Shell Roll Test Method
Greases and Oils
D1264 Test Method for Determining the Water Washout
2.4 SAE Standard:
Characteristics of Lubricating Greases
SAE-AMS-G-81937 Grease, Instrument, Ultra-Clean, Met-
D1742 Test Method for Oil Separation from Lubricating
ric
Grease During Storage
D1743 Test Method for Determining Corrosion Preventive
3. Terminology
Properties of Lubricating Greases
3.1 For definition of standard terms used in this guide, see
D1831 Test Method for Roll Stability of Lubricating Grease
Terminology D4175 and F2488 or Compilation of ASTM
D2265 Test Method for Dropping Point of Lubricating
Standard Definitions.
Grease Over Wide Temperature Range
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
D2266 Test Method for Wear Preventive Characteristics of
3.2.1 esters, n—esters are formed from the reaction of acids
Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Method)
and alcohols. Esters form a class of synthetic lubricants. Esters
D2596 Test Method for Measurement of Extreme-Pressure
of higher alcohols with divalent fatty acids form diester
Properties of Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Method)
lubricants while esters of polyhydric alcohols are called the
D3527 Test Method for Life Performance of Automotive
polyolesterlubricants.Theselatterestershavehigherviscosity
Wheel Bearing Grease
and are more heat-resistant than diesters.
D4048 Test Method for Detection of Copper Corrosion from
Lubricating Grease
3.2.2 mineral oil, n—oils based on petroleum stocks. These
D4175 Terminology Relating to Petroleum Products, Liquid
oils come in two types, naphthenic and paraffinic. The naph-
Fuels, and Lubricants
thenic oils contain unsaturated hydrocarbons, usually in the
D4289 Test Method for Elastomer Compatibility of Lubri-
form of aromatic species. The paraffinic oils are primarily
cating Greases and Fluids
saturated hydrocarbons with only low levels of unsaturation.
D4425 Test Method for Oil Separation from Lubricating
3.2.3 perfluoropolyethers (PFPE or PFAE), n—fully fluo-
Grease by Centrifuging (Koppers Method)
rinated long-chain aliphatic ethers. The perfluoropolyethers
D4693 TestMethodforLow-TemperatureTorqueofGrease-
show some extraordinary properties like chemical inertness,
Lubricated Wheel Bearings
nonflammability, high thermal and oxidative resistance, very
D5483 Test Method for Oxidation Induction Time of Lubri-
good viscosity-temperature characteristics, and compatibility
catingGreasesbyPressureDifferentialScanningCalorim-
with a wide range of materials, including metals and plastics.
etry
The perfluoropolyethers, however, are not always suitable for
E1131 Test Method for CompositionalAnalysis by Thermo-
metal alloys at elevated temperatures (contact temperatures
gravimetry
higher than about 550 °F). The perfluoropolyethers are not
F2161 Guide for Instrument and Precision Bearing
miscible with other types of synthetic fluids and mineral oils
Lubricants—Part 1 Oils
and cannot dissolve common lubricant additives.
F2488 Terminology for Rolling Element Bearings
3.2.4 silicone oils, n—synthetic fluids composed of organic
2.2 Government Documents:
esters of long chain complex silicic acids. Silicone oils have
Federal Standard Test Method 791C, 3005.4 Dirt Content of
better physical properties than mineral oils. However, silicone
Grease
oils have poorer lubrication properties, lower load-carrying
MIL-G-25537 Aircraft Helicopter Bearing Grease
capacity, and a strong tendency to spread on surfaces (see
MIL-PRF-23827 Aircraft and instrument Grease
surface tension).
MIL-PRF-81322 Aircraft Wide Temperature Range Grease
3.2.5 synthetic fluids, n—lubricating fluids produced by
MIL-PRF-83261 Aircraft Extreme Pressure
chemical synthesis. The synthetic route to formulate these
MIL-PRF-10924 Grease, Automotive and Artillery
lubricants allows the manufacturer to introduce those chemical
MIL-G-27617 Grease, Aircraft and Instrument, Fuel and
structures into the lubricant molecule that will impart specific
Oxidizer Resistant
properties into the resultant fluid such as very low pour point,
MIL-G-21164 Molybdenum Disulfide Grease
MIL-G-25760 Grease, Aircraft, Ball and Roller Bearing,
Wide Temperature Range
Available from SKF North American Technical Center, 46815 Port St.,
Plymouth, MI 48170.
3 6
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from TA Instruments Company, 109 Lukens Drive, New Castle, DE
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM 19720-2765.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from Southwest Petro-Chem Division, Witco Corp., P.O. Box 1974,
the ASTM website. Olathe, KS 66061.
4 8
Available from DLA Document Services, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Ave., Available from Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), 400 Commonwealth
Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, http://quicksearch.dla.mil. Dr., Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.
F2489 − 06 (2022)
good viscosity-temperature relationship, low evaporation loss, the previous study (Guide F2161). This study included a
long lubricating lifetime, and so forth. discussion of elastohydrodynamic lubrication theory.
3.2.6 lubricating grease, n—a semi-fluid to solid product of
5. Report
a dispersion of a thickener in a liquid lubricant.
5.1 The test results are summarized in Tables 1–3. Table 1
presents the classification of base oils, thickener types, and
4. Significance and Use
militaryspecificationproductsevaluatedinthisprogram.Table
4.1 The purpose of this guide is to report on the testing of,
2 lists the test protocol for this study and covers the test
to discuss and compare the properties of, and to provide
methods, their test conditions, and the testing laboratories.
guidelines for the choice of lubricating greases for precision
Table 3 (A-C) provides the test results of the 38 precision
rolling element bearings (PREB). The PREB are, for the
bearing greases tested. Each grease tested was assigned a code
purposes of this guide, meant to include bearings of Annular
tomasktheirsourcetomitigateanypotentialbiasinthetesting
Bearing Engineer’s Committee (ABEC) 5 quality and above.
results. The tradename of each grease is listed in Research
ThisguidelimitsitsscopetolubricatinggreasesusedinPREB.
Report RR:F34-1000. For the evaluation, each grease was
testedfordroppingpoint,consistency,waterandworkstability,
4.2 The number of lubricating greases used in PREB in-
oxidation stability, oil separation, evaporation loss, wear, EP
creased dramatically from the early 1940s to the mid 1990s. In
properties, corrosion prevention, low temperature
the beginning of this period, petroleum products were the only
characteristics, cleanliness, apparent viscosity, grease noise,
widely available base stocks. Later, synthetic base oils became
and grease life. Compatibility testing with elastomers incorpo-
available. They included synthetic hydrocarbons, esters,
rated into PREB and their environments were not done due to
silicones, multiply alkylated cyclopentanes (MAC) and fluori-
the large number of combinations that would require testing to
nated materials, including perfluorinated ethers and the fluo-
span the potential mixes of greases and elastomer components
rosilicones.This broad spectrum of lubricant choices has led to
that might occur in bearing applications. It is recommended
the use of a large number of different lubricants in PREB
that the user verify grease/elastomer compatibility when
applications. The U.S. Department of Defense, as a user of
needed.
many PREB, has seen a significant increase in the logistics
effort required to support the procurement and distribution of
5.2 In these tables, some of the data may not agree with
these items. In addition, as time has passed, some of the
those of manufacturers due to the variation of the test methods
greasesusedincertainPREBarenolongeravailableorrequire
and their test apparatuses (that is, noise test). All tests were
improved performances due to advanced bearing technology/
performed by a government laboratory and three independent
requirements.Thisimpliesthatreplacementlubricatinggreases
laboratories. No grease manufacturers performed any of these
must be found, especially in this era of extending the lifetime
tests except for the base oil viscosities of greases. To increase
of DoD assets, with the consequent and unprojected demand
the availability of precision bearing greases, these tables will
for sources of replacement parts.
be revised periodically to include new greases as long as the
manufacturer submits test results on their product following
4.3 One of the primary goals of this study was to take a
precisely the protocol defined in the document.
broadspectrumofthelubricatinggreasesusedinPREBanddo
a comprehensive series of tests on them in order that their
6. Application Considerations
properties could be compared and, if necessary, potential
replacement greases be identified. This study is also meant to
6.1 This guide applies only to precision bearing greases.
be a design guide for choosing lubricating greases for future
The other types of greases such as industrial greases or
PREB appli
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.