ASTM D4290-20

Standard Test Method for Determining the Leakage Tendencies of Automotive Wheel Bearing Grease Under Accelerated Conditions

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method differentiates among wheel bearing greases having distinctly different high-temperature leakage characteristics. It is not the equivalent of longtime service tests.  
5.2 This test method has proven to be helpful in screening greases with respect to leakage tendencies for automotive wheel bearing applications.  
Note 1: It is possible for skilled operators to observe changes in grease characteristics that can occur during the test, such as grease condition. Leakage is reported as a quantitative value, whereas the evaluation of grease condition is subject to differences in personal judgment among operators and cannot be used effectively for quantitative measurements.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a laboratory procedure for evaluating leakage tendencies of wheel bearing greases when tested under prescribed conditions.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. The exception is apparatus dimensions, in inches, which 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific warning statements, see Section 8.  
1.4 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-May-2020
• 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 D4290-19 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Leakage Tendencies of Automotive Wheel Bearing Grease Under Accelerated Conditions
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Referred By: ASTM D4950-22 - Standard Classification and Specification for Automotive Service Greases
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Referred By: ASTM D6185-11(2017) - Standard Practice for Evaluating Compatibility of Binary Mixtures of Lubricating Greases
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020

Overview

ASTM D4290-20, "Standard Test Method for Determining the Leakage Tendencies of Automotive Wheel Bearing Grease Under Accelerated Conditions," provides an industry-recognized laboratory procedure for evaluating the leakage tendencies of greases used in automotive wheel bearings. Developed by ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants, this standard ensures consistent and repeatable testing of lubricant performance under elevated temperatures and controlled conditions. Leakage characteristics are critical for selecting greases that maintain performance and safety in high-temperature automotive applications, helping manufacturers and users differentiate between various formulations.

Key Topics

• Leakage Assessment: The method quantitatively determines the amount of grease or oil that separates and escapes from the bearing under specified conditions, helping to compare expected performance in service.
• Accelerated Laboratory Test: Rather than replicating long-term field use, the test uses an accelerated procedure, including high-temperature environments and rotational motion, to simulate conditions that may promote leakage.
• Grease Evaluation: Evaluates changes in grease characteristics during testing, though only leakage is reported as a quantitative value; qualitative aspects like grease condition are observed but not numerically recorded.
• Test Apparatus and Methodology: Utilizes a modified automotive wheel hub-spindle-bearing assembly subjected to precise temperature (160°C), speed (1000 rpm), specific loading, and controlled time cycles to measure the amount of leakage.
• Precision and Bias: Includes guidance on repeatability and reproducibility, supporting robust comparison across different laboratories and operators.

Applications

ASTM D4290-20 is widely used in the automotive industry for:

• Grease Selection and Screening: Helps manufacturers, formulators, and suppliers to evaluate and select wheel bearing greases with superior high-temperature leakage resistance for automotive applications.
• Quality Control: Used by quality assurance teams to validate grease batches prior to installation in vehicles, reducing the risk of lubricant failure and potential bearing damage.
• R&D and Formulation Improvement: Supports researchers and developers in benchmarking new grease formulations, accelerating product development and optimization for high-performance applications.
• Comparative Analysis: Enables reliable comparison of different brands or formulations under consistent accelerated conditions, aiding in product differentiation and performance claims.
• Regulatory and Standards Compliance: Assists manufacturers in demonstrating compliance with industry standards and customer requirements by providing trustworthy performance data.

Related Standards

• ASTM D4950 - Classification and specification of automotive service greases.
• ASTM D3336 - Laboratory testing method for life performance of lubricating greases in ball bearings at elevated temperatures.
• AFBMA/ANSI B.3.19 - Related ball bearing and lubrication standards referenced within the test method.
• ISO standards on lubricants and greases - For broader international harmonization and acceptance.

Practical Value

By implementing ASTM D4290-20, organizations gain the following benefits:

• Consistent, Quantitative Results: Provides a standardized, repeatable approach to measuring grease leakage under challenging conditions.
• Improved Product Reliability: Assists in the selection of lubricants that reduce maintenance needs and increase bearing life.
• Regulatory Assurance: Facilitates compliance with global automotive and lubricant industry requirements.
• Enhanced Market Reputation: Companies using industry-recognized test methods demonstrate quality and reliability, strengthening trust with end-users and OEMs.
• Reduced Risk of Failure: Early identification of unsuitable lubricants minimizes operational and safety risks.

By following this test method, stakeholders in the automotive lubrication sector can ensure that only well-tested, high-performance greases are used in critical wheel bearing applications, supporting safer and more reliable transportation systems.

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: D4290 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Leakage Tendencies of Automotive Wheel
Bearing Grease Under Accelerated Conditions
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4290; 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* 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 leakage tendencies of wheel bearing greases when
posed of finely-divided particles dispersed in a liquid lubricant
tested under prescribed conditions.
to form the product’s structure.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3.1.3.1 Discussion—The solid thickener can be fibers (such
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
as various metallic soaps) or plates or spheres (such as certain
standard. The exception is apparatus dimensions, in inches,
non-soap thickeners) which are insoluble or, at the most, only
which are to be regarded as the standard.
very slightly soluble in the liquid lubricant. The general
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
requirements are that the solid particles be extremely small,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
uniformlydispersed,andcapableofformingarelativelystable,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
gel-like structure with the liquid lubricant.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.2.1 automotive wheel bearing grease, n—a lubricating
For specific warning statements, see Section 8.
grease specifically formulated to lubricate automotive wheel
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
bearings at relatively high grease temperatures and bearing
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
speeds.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.2.2 leakage, n—of wheel bearing grease, separation and
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
overflow of grease or oil from the bulk grease charge, induced
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
by high temperatures and bearing rotation.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4. Summary of Test Method
2. Referenced Documents
4.1 The test grease is distributed in a modified, automobile
2.1 AFBMA Standard:
front wheel hub-spindle-bearings assembly.While the bearings
AFBMA Standard 19 1974 (ANSI B.3.19-1975)
are thrust-loaded to approximately 111 N, the hub is rotated at
1000 rpm and the spindle temperature maintained at 160.0 °C
3. Terminology
6 1.5 °C for 20 h. Leakage of grease or oil, or both, is
3.1 Definitions:
measured, and the condition of the bearing surface is noted at
3.1.1 lubricant, n—any material interposed between two
the end of the test.
surfaces that reduces the friction or wear between them.
5. Significance and Use
3.1.2 lubricating grease, n—a semifluid to solid product of
a dispersion of a thickener in a liquid lubricant.
5.1 This test method differentiates among wheel bearing
3.1.2.1 Discussion—The dispersion of the thickener forms a
greases having distinctly different high-temperature leakage
two-phase system and immobilizes the liquid lubricant by
characteristics.Itisnottheequivalentoflongtimeservicetests.
5.2 This test method has proven to be helpful in screening
greases with respect to leakage tendencies for automotive
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of wheel bearing applications.
Subcommittee D02.G0.05 on Functional Tests - Temperature.
NOTE1—Itispossibleforskilledoperatorstoobservechangesingrease
Current edition approved June 1, 2020. Published June 2020. Originally
characteristics that can occur during the test, such as grease condition.
approved in 1983. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as D4290 – 19. DOI:
Leakage is reported as a quantitative value, whereas the evaluation of
10.1520/D4290-20.
Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., grease condition is subject to differences in personal judgment among
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org. operators and cannot be used effectively for quantitative measurements.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4290 − 20
NOTE 1—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)
6. Apparatus 8. Reagents and Materials
6.1 Test Assembly (Figs. 1 and 2). 8.1 Penmul L460 (previously called Penetone-ECS) —
(Warning—Combustible. Vapors can be harmful.)
6.1.1 Custom-made Wheel Hub-Spindle-Bearing Assembly
(Fig. 3).
8.2 n-heptane—reagent grade minimum purity.
6.1.2 Oven, electrically heated by 1200 watt heater, thermo-
(Warning—Flammable. Harmful if inhaled.)
statically controlled to maintain spindle temperature at
8.3 Isopropyl Alcohol—reagent grade minimum purity.
160.0 °C 6 1.5 °C.
(Warning—Flammable.)
6.1.3 Spindle Drive Motor, ⁄4 hp, 120 volts dc with
8.4 Mineral Spirits—reagent grade. (Warning—
1725 rpm speed control for the hub; motor torque is indicated
Combustible. Vapors may be harmful.)
by a meter equipped with an adjustable, automatic cutoff.
6.1.4 Fan Drive Motor, ⁄30 hp, 120 v dc, 1550 rpm.
8.5 SAE 10W Engine Oil.
6.2 Motor speed, oven temperature, spindle temperature,
8.6 00 Grade Steel Wool.
time cycles and torque are controlled or monitored, or both, by
9. Preparation of Bearings
accessory equipment.
9.1 Carefully remove new bearings (cups and cones) from
6.3 A grease slinger has been added since the original
their packages and place in a suitable clean container. Wash
design of the apparatus. Fig. 4 shows the slinger used for the
with n-heptane to remove all rust preventative.
hub of Koehler and Pam apparatus.
9.2 Repeat washing with n-heptane two additional times to
NOTE 2—The slinger was developed to prevent grease from creeping
along the hub and being slung off past the grease collector. Greases that be certain all rust preventative has been removed. Use a clean
crept during the test can lead to erroneously low results. Addition of the
beaker each time.
slinger will not affect the precision data in Section 13 because none of the
9.3 Drain n-heptane from the bearings and set them on a
round-robin greases exhibited grease creepage.
clean, lint-free cloth or towel to air dry.
6.4 Balance, having a minimum capacity of 100 g and
minimum sensitivity of 0.1 g. NOTE 3—Cleaning may be facilitated by the use of a sonic cleaner.
7. Test Bearings 3
The sole source of supply of Penmul L460 (previously called Penetone-ECS)
knowntothecommitteeatthistimeisPenetoneCorp.,74HudsonAve.,Tenaply,NJ
7.1 Use LM67048-LM67010 and LM11949-LM11910 (AF-
07670. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to
BMA Standard 19) inboard and outboard bearings, respec-
ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consider-
tively. ation at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
D4290 − 20
FIG. 2 Wheel Bearing Lubricant Tester (Top View)
FIG. 3 Spindle and Thrust Rod Components
10. Procedure spatula. Wipe all grease from cone bore, cone back face,
exteriorcagesurfaces,andexposedrollersurfaceswithaclean,
10.1 Prior to each test, check the freedom of movement of
lint-free cloth or towel and reweigh. Adjust the grease weight
the thrust loading shaft (Fig. 3) in the spindle. If binding is
in the inboard cone to 3.0 g 6 0.1 g and in the outboard cone
noted, remove and clean both shaft and spindle bore.
to 2.0 g 6 0.1 g by wiping or adding grease to the groove
10.2 Install new cups in the cleaned hub in the location
between the cage and the cone back face. Apply a thin film of
shown by Figs. 1 and 2.
grease on the cups.
10.3 Weigh an inboard and outboard bearing cone to the
10.4 Distribute 55.0 g 6 0.2 g of grease in a uniform layer
nearest 0.1 g. Using the grease packer shown in Figs. 5 and 6
in the hub.
and an extra set of cups, fill the cones with the test grease. Use
10.5 Weigh the leakage collector to the nearest 0.1 g.
care to avoid moving the rollers or bearing components while
removing the cones from the cups and in all subsequent wiping 10.6 Install the leakage collector, inboard cone, hub, and
and handling steps. Strike off excess grease flush with the front outboard cone on the spindle (Fig. 2). Lock the components in
face of the cone (near small end of rollers) using a small place with the end cap and screw. Install the spindle connector.
D4290 − 20
FIG. 4 Grease Slingers for Pam and Koehler Hubs
FIG. 5 Bearing Packer
10.7 Referring to Fig. 3, adjust the thrust load as follows:
Tighten the compression nut (G) until the spring (F) is seated
D4290 − 20
FIG. 6 Bearing Packer
against the back plate (E), but not compressed. Bring the lock 10.9 Turnoffthemotor,engagethedrivecoupling,andlock
nut (H) up to the compression nut (G). Without moving H, in position. Se
...

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.
Designation: D4290 − 19 D4290 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Leakage Tendencies of Automotive Wheel
Bearing Grease Under Accelerated Conditions
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4290; 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*
1.1 This test method covers a laboratory procedure for evaluating leakage tendencies of wheel bearing greases when tested
under prescribed conditions.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
The exception is apparatus dimensions, in inches, which 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific warning statements, see Section 8.
1.4 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 AFBMA Standard:
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 semifluid to solid product of a dispersion of a thickener in a liquid lubricant.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D02.G0.05 on Functional Tests - Temperature.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2019June 1, 2020. Published November 2019June 2020. Originally approved in 1983. Last previous edition approved in 20152019 as
D4290 – 15.D4290 – 19. DOI: 10.1520/D4290-19.10.1520/D4290-20.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
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-soap thickeners) which
are insoluble or, at the most, only very slightly soluble in the liquid lubricant. The general requirements 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:
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4290 − 20
NOTE 1—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)
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 leakage, n—of wheel bearing grease, separation and overflow of grease or oil from the bulk grease charge, induced by
high temperatures and bearing rotation.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The test grease is distributed in a modified, automobile front wheel hub-spindle-bearings assembly. While the bearings are
thrust-loaded to approximately 111 N, the hub is rotated at 1000 rpm and the spindle temperature maintained at 160 °C 160.0 °C
6 1.5 °C for 20 h. Leakage of grease or oil, or both, is measured, and the condition of the bearing surface is noted at the end of
the test.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method differentiates among wheel bearing greases having distinctly different high-temperature leakage
characteristics. It is not the equivalent of longtime service tests.
5.2 This test method has proven to be helpful in screening greases with respect to leakage tendencies for automotive wheel
bearing applications.
NOTE 1—It is possible for skilled operators to observe changes in grease characteristics that can occur during the test, such as grease condition. Leakage
is reported as a quantitative value, whereas the evaluation of grease condition is subject to differences in personal judgment among operators and cannot
be used effectively for quantitative measurements.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Test Assembly (Figs. 1 and 2).
6.1.1 Custom-made Wheel Hub-Spindle-Bearing Assembly (Fig. 3).
6.1.2 Oven, electrically heated by 1200 watt heater, thermostatically controlled to maintain spindle temperature at
160 °C160.0 °C 6 1.5 °C.
6.1.3 Spindle Drive Motor, ⁄4 hp, 120 volts dc with 1725 rpm speed control for the hub; motor torque is indicated by a meter
equipped with an adjustable, automatic cutoff.
6.1.4 Fan Drive Motor, ⁄30 hp, 120 v dc, 1550 rpm.
6.2 Motor speed, oven temperature, spindle temperature, time cycles and torque are controlled or monitored, or both, by
accessory equipment.
6.3 A grease slinger has been added since the original design of the apparatus. Fig. 4 shows the slinger used for the hub of
Koehler and Pam apparatus.
NOTE 2—The slinger was developed to prevent grease from creeping along the hub and being slung off past the grease collector. Greases that crept
during the test can lead to erroneously low results. Addition of the slinger will not affect the precision data in Section 13 because none of the round-robin
greases exhibited grease creepage.
6.4 Balance, having a minimum capacity of 100 g and minimum sensitivity of 0.1 g.
D4290 − 20
FIG. 2 Wheel Bearing Lubricant Tester (Top View)
FIG. 3 Spindle and Thrust Rod Components
7. Test Bearings
7.1 Use LM67048-LM67010 and LM11949-LM11910 (AFBMA Standard 19) inboard and outboard bearings, respectively.
8. Reagents and Materials
8.1 Penmul L460 (previously called Penetone-ECS) —(Warning—Combustible. Vapors can be harmful.)
8.2 n-heptane—reagent grade minimum purity. (Warning—Flammable. Harmful if inhaled.)
8.3 Isopropyl Alcohol—reagent grade minimum purity. (Warning—Flammable.)
8.4 Mineral Spirits—reagent grade. (Warning—Combustible. Vapors may be harmful.)
The sole source of supply of Penmul L460 (previously called Penetone-ECS) known to the committee at this time is Penetone Corp., 74 Hudson Ave., Tenaply, NJ 07670.
If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting
of the responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
D4290 − 20
FIG. 4 Grease Slingers for Pam and Koehler Hubs
8.5 SAE 10W Engine Oil.
8.6 00 Grade Steel Wool.
9. Preparation of Bearings
9.1 Carefully remove new bearings (cups and cones) from their packages and place in a suitable clean container. Wash with
n-heptane to remove all rust preventative.
9.2 Repeat washing with n-heptane two additional times to be certain all rust preventative has been removed. Use a clean beaker
each time.
9.3 Drain n-heptane from the bearings and set them on a clean, lint-free cloth or towel to air dry.
NOTE 3—Cleaning may be facilitated by the use of a sonic cleaner.
10. Procedure
10.1 Prior to each test, check the freedom of movement of the thrust loading shaft (Fig. 3) in the spindle. If binding is noted,
remove and clean both shaft and spindle bore.
10.2 Install new cups in the cleaned hub in the location shown by Figs. 1 and 2.
10.3 Weigh an inboard and outboard bearing cone to the nearest 0.1 g. Using the grease packer shown in Figs. 5 and 6 and an
extra set of cups, fill the cones with the test grease. Use care to avoid moving the rollers or bearing components while removing
the cones from the cups and in all subsequent wiping and handling steps. Strike off excess grease flush with the front face of the
cone (near small end of rollers) using a small spatula. Wipe all grease from cone bore, cone back face, exterior cage surfaces, and
exposed roller surfaces with a clean, lint-free cloth or towel and reweigh. Adjust the grease weight in the inboard cone to 3.0 g
6 0.1 g and in the outboard cone to 2.0 g 6 0.1 g by wiping or adding grease to the groove between the cage and the cone back
face. Apply a thin film of grease on the cups.
10.4 Distribute 55.0 g 6 0.2 g of grease in a uniform layer in the hub.
10.5 Weigh the leakage collector to the nearest 0.1 g.
10.6 Install the leakage collector, inboard cone, hub, and outboard cone on the spindle (Fig. 2). Lock the components in place
with the end cap and screw. Install the spindle connector.
D4290 − 20
FIG. 5 Bearing Packer
10.7 Referring to Fig. 3, adjust the thrust load as follows: Tighten the compression nut (G) until the spring (F) is seated against
the back plate (E), but not compressed. Bring the lock nut (H) up to the compression nut (G). Without moving H, compress F by
tightening G until the compression gage (J) will fit between H and G. Hold J in positi
...