ASTM D3527-07e1

Standard Test Method for Life Performance of Automotive Wheel Bearing Grease

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This test method differentiates among wheel bearing greases having distinctly different high-temperature characteristics. It is not the equivalent of longtime service tests, nor is it intended to distinguish between the products having similar high-temperature performance properties.  
This test method has proven to be helpful in screening greases with respect to life performance for automotive wheel bearing applications.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a laboratory procedure for evaluating the high-temperature life performance of wheel bearing greases when tested under prescribed conditions.
Note 1—Changes to this test method in the 1985 revision increased test severity. Results will not be comparable with data from earlier procedures.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.2.1 Exception—Apparatus dimensions in inches are to be regarded as the standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific warning statements, see 8.1-8.4.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 14-Jul-2007
• ICS: 75.100 - Lubricants, industrial oils and related products
• Technical Committee: D02 - Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
• Drafting Committee: D02.G0.05 - Functional Tests - Temperature

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D3527-07 - Standard Test Method for Life Performance of Automotive Wheel Bearing Grease
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2007
• Replaced By: ASTM D3527-11 - Standard Test Method for Life Performance of Automotive Wheel Bearing Grease
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Referred By: ASTM D6185-11(2017) - Standard Practice for Evaluating Compatibility of Binary Mixtures of Lubricating Greases
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2007
• Referred By: ASTM D4950-22 - Standard Classification and Specification for Automotive Service Greases
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2007
• Referred By: ASTM D4693-07(2021) - Standard Test Method for Low-Temperature Torque of Grease-Lubricated Wheel Bearings
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2007
• Referred By: ASTM F2489-06(2022) - Standard Guide for Instrument and Precision Bearing Lubricants—Part 2 Greases
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2007

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
´1
Designation:D3527–07
Standard Test Method for
1
Life Performance of Automotive Wheel Bearing Grease
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3527; 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
´ NOTE—Added Note 5 editorially in January 2009.
1. Scope surface tension and other physical forces. Other ingredients are
commonly included to impart special properties.
1.1 This test method covers a laboratory procedure for
3.1.3 thickener, n—in lubricating grease, a substance com-
evaluating the high-temperature life performance of wheel
posed of finely-divided particles dispersed in a liquid lubricant
bearing greases when tested under prescribed conditions.
to form the product’s structure.
NOTE 1—Changestothistestmethodinthe1985revisionincreasedtest
3.1.3.1 Discussion—The solid thickener can be fibers (such
severity.Resultswillnotbecomparablewithdatafromearlierprocedures.
as various metallic soaps) or plates or spheres (such as certain
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
non-soap thickeners) which are insoluble or, at the most, only
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
very slightly soluble in the liquid lubricant. The general
standard.
requirements are that the solid particles be extremely small,
1.2.1 Exception—Apparatus dimensions in inches are to be
uniformlydispersed,andcapableofformingarelativelystable,
regarded as the standard.
gel-like structure with the liquid lubricant.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2.1 automotive wheel bearing grease, n—a lubricating
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
grease specifically formulated to lubricate automotive wheel
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bearings at relatively high grease temperatures and bearing
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific
speeds.
warning statements, see 8.1-8.4.
3.2.2 grease life, n—of wheel bearing grease, amount of
time operated under prescribed conditions of load, speed, and
2. Referenced Documents
temperature until preset torque limit is exceeded.
2.1 AFBMA Standard:
3.2.2.1 Discussion—The off-time, which is part of the 20 h
2
AFBMA Standard 19, 1974 (ANSI B. 3.19-1975)
and 4 h off-cycle, is not recorded and is not included as part of
grease life.
3. Terminology
4. Summary of Test Method
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 lubricant, n—any material interposed between two
4.1 The test grease is distributed in the bearings of a
surfaces that reduces the friction or wear between them.
modified, automobile front wheel hub-spindle-bearings assem-
3.1.2 lubricating grease, n—a semi-fluid to solid product of
bly. While the bearings are thrust-loaded to 111 N, the hub is
a dispersion of a thickener in a liquid lubricant.
rotated at 1000 rpm and the spindle temperature maintained at
3.1.2.1 Discussion—Thedispersionofthethickenerformsa
160°C for 20 h,4hoff operating cycle. The test is terminated
two-phase system and immobilizes the liquid lubricant by
when grease deterioration causes the drive motor torque to
exceed a calculated motor cut off value. Grease life is ex-
pressed as the accumulated on-cycle hours.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
5. Significance and Use
D02.G0.05 on Functional Tests - Temperature.
Current edition approved July 15, 2007. Published August 2007. Originally
5.1 This test method differentiates among wheel bearing
approved in 1976. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D3527–02. DOI:
greases having distinctly different high-temperature character-
10.1520/D3527-07E01.
2
istics. It is not the equivalent of longtime service tests, nor is it
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
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D3527–07
NOTE—Caution should be taken when modifying older units since some may still contain asbestos insulation leading to a possible inhalation hazard.
FIG. 1 Wheel Bearing Lubricant Tester (Elevation View)
intended to distinguish between the products having similar 8.2 Isopropyl Alcohol—reagent grade minimum purity
high-temperature performance properties. (Warning—Flammable.)
5
5.2 This test method has proven to be helpful in sc
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
An American National Standard
´1
Designation:D3527–02 Designation:D3527–07
Standard Test Method for
1
Life Performance of Automotive Wheel Bearing Grease
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3527; 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
´ NOTE—Added Note 5 editorially in January 2009.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers a laboratory procedure for evaluating the high-temperature life performance of wheel bearing
greases when tested under prescribed conditions.
NOTE 1—Changes to this test method in the 1985 revision increased test severity. Results will not be comparable with data from earlier procedures.
1.2ThevaluesstatedinSIunits,exceptapparatusdimensions,aretoberegardedasthestandard.Apparatusdimensionsininches
are to be regarded as the standard.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.2.1 Exception—Apparatus dimensions in inches are to be regarded as the standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use. For specific hazardwarning statements, see 8.1-8.4.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 AFBMA Standard:
AFBMA Standard19,1974 (ANSI B. 3.19-1975)
2
AFBMA Standard 19, 1974 (ANSI B. 3.19-1975)
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 lubricant, n—any material interposed between two surfaces that reduces the friction or wear between them.
3.1.2 lubricating grease, n—a semi-fluid to solid product of a dispersion of a thickener in a liquid lubricant.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—The dispersion of the thickener forms a two-phase system and immobilizes the liquid lubricant by surface
tension and other physical forces. Other ingredients are commonly included to impart special properties.
3.1.3 thickener, n—in lubricating grease, a substance composed of finely-divided particles dispersed in a liquid lubricant to
form the product’s structure.
3.1.3.1 Discussion—The solid thickener can be fibers (such as various metallic soaps) or plates or spheres (such as certain
non-soapthickeners)whichareinsolubleor,atthemost,onlyveryslightlysolubleintheliquidlubricant.Thegeneralrequirements
are that the solid particles be extremely small, uniformly dispersed, and capable of forming a relatively stable, gel-like structure
with the liquid lubricant.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 automotive wheel bearing grease, n— a lubricating grease specifically formulated to lubricate automotive wheel bearings
at relatively high grease temperatures and bearing speeds.
3.2.2 grease life, n— of wheel bearing grease, amount of time operated under prescribed conditions of load, speed, and
temperature until preset torque limit is exceeded.
3.2.2.1 Discussion—The off-time,whichispartofthe20hand4hoff-cycle,isnotrecordedandisnotincludedaspartofgrease
life.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D02.G0.05
on Lubricating Grease. Functional Tests - Temperature.
Current edition approved Nov. 10, 2002.July 15, 2007. Published February 2003.August 2007. Originally approved in 1976. Last previous edition approved in 19952002
as D3527–95.D 3527–02.
2
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
´1
D3527–07
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The test grease is distributed in the bearings of a modified, automobile front wheel hub-spindle-bearings assembly. While
the bearings are thrust-loaded to 111 N, the hub is rotated at 1000 rpm and the spindle temperature maintained at 160°C for 20
h,4hoff operating cycle. The test is terminated when grease deterioration causes the drive motor torque to exceed a calculated
motor cut off value. Grease life is expressed as the accumulated on-cycle hours.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method differentiates among wheel bearing greases having
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
An American National Standard
´1
Designation:D3527–07 Designation:D3527–07
Standard Test Method for
1
Life Performance of Automotive Wheel Bearing Grease
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3527; 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
´ NOTE—Added Note 5 editorially in January 2009.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers a laboratory procedure for evaluating the high-temperature life performance of wheel bearing
greases when tested under prescribed conditions.
NOTE 1—Changes to this test method in the 1985 revision increased test severity. Results will not be comparable with data from earlier procedures.
1.2ThevaluesstatedinSIunits,exceptapparatusdimensions,aretoberegardedasthestandard.Apparatusdimensionsininches
are to be regarded as the standard.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.2.1 Exception—Apparatus dimensions in inches are to be regarded as the standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use. For specific warning statements, see 8.1-8.4.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 AFBMA Standard:
2
AFBMA Standard 19, 1974 (ANSI B. 3.19-1975)
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 lubricant, n—any material interposed between two surfaces that reduces the friction or wear between them.
3.1.2 lubricating grease, n—a semi-fluid to solid product of a dispersion of a thickener in a liquid lubricant.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—The dispersion of the thickener forms a two-phase system and immobilizes the liquid lubricant by surface
tension and other physical forces. Other ingredients are commonly included to impart special properties.
3.1.3 thickener, n—in lubricating grease, a substance composed of finely-divided particles dispersed in a liquid lubricant to
form the product’s structure.
3.1.3.1 Discussion—The solid thickener can be fibers (such as various metallic soaps) or plates or spheres (such as certain
non-soapthickeners)whichareinsolubleor,atthemost,onlyveryslightlysolubleintheliquidlubricant.Thegeneralrequirements
are that the solid particles be extremely small, uniformly dispersed, and capable of forming a relatively stable, gel-like structure
with the liquid lubricant.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 automotive wheel bearing grease, n— a lubricating grease specifically formulated to lubricate automotive wheel bearings
at relatively high grease temperatures and bearing speeds.
3.2.2 grease life, n— of wheel bearing grease, amount of time operated under prescribed conditions of load, speed, and
temperature until preset torque limit is exceeded.
3.2.2.1 Discussion—The off-time,whichispartofthe20hand4hoff-cycle,isnotrecordedandisnotincludedaspartofgrease
life.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The test grease is distributed in the bearings of a modified, automobile front wheel hub-spindle-bearings assembly. While
the bearings are thrust-loaded to 111 N, the hub is rotated at 1000 rpm and the spindle temperature maintained at 160°C for 20
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D02.G0.05
on Functional Tests - Temperature.
Current edition approved July 15, 2007. Published August 2007. Originally approved in 1976. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D 3527–02.
2
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
´1
D3527–07
h,4hoff operating cycle. The test is terminated when grease deterioration causes the drive motor torque to exceed a calculated
motor cut off value. Grease life is expressed as the accumulated on-cycle hours.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method differentiates among wheel bearing greases having distinctly different high-temperature characteristics. It
is not the equivalent of longtime service tests, no
...