ASTM D6121-00
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Evaluation of the Load Carrying Capacity of Lubricants Under Conditions of Low Speed and High Torque Used for Final Hypoid Drive Axles
Standard Test Method for Evaluation of the Load Carrying Capacity of Lubricants Under Conditions of Low Speed and High Torque Used for Final Hypoid Drive Axles
SCOPE
1.1 This test method is commonly referred to as the L-37 test. This test method covers a test peocedure for evaluating the load-carrying, wear, and extreme pressure properties of a gear lubricant in a hypoid axle under conditions of low-speed, high-torque operation.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The SI values given in parentheses are provided for informational purposes only.
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. Specific hazard information is given in Sections 4, 7, and 8.
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: D 6121 – 00 An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Evaluation of the Load Carrying Capacity of Lubricants
Under Conditions of Low Speed and High Torque Used for
Final Hypoid Drive Axles
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 6121; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This test method is commonly referred to as the L-37 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
test. This test method covers a test procedure for evaluating 3.1.1 abrasive wear, n— on ring and pinion gears, removal
the load-carrying, wear, and extreme pressure properties of a of material from the operating surface of the gear caused by
gear lubricant in a hypoid axle under conditions of low-speed, lapping of mating surfaces by fine particles suspended in
high-torque operation. lubricant, fuel, or air or imbedded in a surface (CRC Rating
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded Manual No. 18).
as the standard. The SI values given in parentheses are 3.1.2 adhesive wear, n— on ring and pinion gears, removal
provided for informational purposes only. of material from the operating surface of the gear caused by
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the shearing of junctions formed between operating surfaces in
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the direct metal-to-metal contact; sheared-off particles either re-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- main affixed to the harder of the mating surfaces or act as wear
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- particles between the surfaces (CRC Rating Manual No. 18).
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazard 3.1.3 burnish, n—on ring and pinion gears, an alteration of
information is given in Sections 4, 7, and 8. the original manufactured surface to a dull or brightly polished
condition (CRC Rating Manual No. 17).
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.4 corrosion, n—in final drive axles, a general alteration
2.1 ASTM Standards: of the finished surfaces of bearings or gears by discoloration,
D 235 Specification for Mineral Spirits (Petroleum Spirits)
accompanied by roughening not attributable to mechanical
(Hydrocarbon Dry Cleaning Solvent) action (CRC Rating Manual No. 17).
2.2 Military Specification:
3.1.5 deposits, n—in final drive axles, material of pasty,
MIL-PRF-2105E Lubricating Oil, Gear, Multipurpose gummy, or brittle nature adhering to or collecting around any
2.3 AGMA National Standard:
of the working parts (CRC Rating Manual No. 17).
Nomenclature of Gear Tooth Failure Modes 3.1.6 discoloration, n— on ring and pinion gears, any
2.4 SAE Standard:
alteration in the normal color of finished steel surfaces (CRC
SAE J308 Information Report on Axle and Manual Trans- Rating Manual No. 17).
mission Lubricants 3.1.7 pitting, n—on ring and pinion gears, small irregular
cavities in the tooth surface, resulting from the breaking out of
small areas of surface metal (CRC Rating Manual No. 17).
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
3.1.8 ridging, n—on ring and pinion gears, an alteration of
Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
the tooth surface to give a series of parallel raised and polished
D02.B on Automotive Lubricants.
ridges running diagonally in the direction of sliding motion,
Current edition approved June 10, 2000. Published August 2000. Originally
published as D 6121–97. Last previous edition D 6121–98a.
either partially or completely across the tooth surfaces of gears
Until the next revision of this test method, the ASTM Test Monitoring Center
(CRC Rating Manual No. 17).
(TMC) will update changes in this test method by means of Information Letters.
3.1.9 rippling, n—on ring and pinion gears, an alteration of
This edition includes all Information Letters through No. 99-3.Information Letters
may be obtained from the ASTM Test Monitoring Center, 6555 Penn Ave,
the tooth surface to give an appearance of a more or less
Pittsburgh, PA 15206, Attn: Administrator. The TMC is also the source of reference
regular pattern resembling ripples on water or fish scales (CRC
oils.
3 Rating Manual No. 17).
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.04.
3.1.10 scoring, n—on ring and pinion gears, the rapid
Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg 4, Section D, 700 Robbins
Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111–5094, Attn: NPODS.
removal of metal from the tooth surfaces caused by the tearing
American Gear Manufacturers Assn., 1500 King St., Suite 201, Alexandria, VA
22314.
6 7
Available from Society of Automotive Engineers, 400 Commonwealth Dr., Available from Coordinating Research Council (CRC), 219 Perimeter Ctr.
Warrendale, PA 15096–0001. Pkwy., Atlanta, GA 30346.
Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 6121
out of small contacting particles that have welded together as 5.2.1 American Petroleum Institute (API) Publication
a result of metal-to-metal contact. The scored surface is 1560.
characterized by a matte or dull finish (CRC Rating Manual 5.2.2 STP-512A.
No. 17). 5.2.3 SAE J308.
5.2.4 Military Specification MIL-PRF-2105E.
3.1.11 scratching, n—on ring and pinion gears, an alter-
ation of the tooth surface in the form of irregular scratches, of
6. Apparatus
random length, across the tooth surface in the direction of
6.1 Test Unit—The test unit is a new complete hypoid truck
sliding of the surfaces (CRC Rating Manual No. 17).
axle assembly less axle shafts, Dana Model 60, 5.86 to 1
3.1.12 spalling, n—on ring and pinion gears, the breaking
ratio. See Annex A6 for part numbers.
out of flakes of irregular area of the tooth surface, a condition
6.2 Test Stand and Laboratory Equipment:
more extensive than pitting (CRC Rating Manual No. 17).
6.2.1 Axle Vent—Vent the axle to the atmosphere through-
3.1.13 surface fatigue, n— on ring and pinion gears, the
out the entire test and arrange the vent so that no water enters
failure of the ring gear and pinion material as a result of
the housing.
repeated surface or subsurface stresses that are beyond the
6.2.2 Axle Cover—The axle cover has a 3.5-in. (8.9-cm)
endurance limit of the material. It is characterized by the
inspection port installed, as shown in Fig. A2.1. This allows
removal of metal and the formation of cavities (AGMA
filling the axle and provides a means for inspecting the axle
National Standard).
after the gear condition phase (see 10.1). Install a thermo-
3.1.14 wear, n—on ring and pinion gears, the removal of
couple, as described in 6.2.4.1
metal, without evidence of surface fatigue or adhesive wear, 6.2.3 Test Stand Configuration—Mount the complete as-
resulting in partial or complete elimination of tool or grinding
sembly in a rigid fixture as shown in Fig. A3.1. Mount the test
marks or development of a discernible shoulder ridge at the unit in the test stand with pinion and axle shaft centerlines
bottom of the contact area near the root or at the toe or heel end
horizontal.
of pinion tooth contact area (abrasive wear) (CRC Rating 6.2.4 Temperature Control—The test axle housing shall
Manual No. 17).
include a means of maintaining the lubricant at a specified
temperature. This shall include a thermocouple, a temperature
4. Summary of Test Method recording system, and a cooling method.
6.2.4.1 Thermocouple—Determine the thermocouple loca-
4.1 Prior to each test run, inspect the test unit (final axle
tion on the rear cover using the cover plate temperature sensor
assembly) and measure and record confirming manufacturing
locating device as shown in Fig. A4.1.
specifications.
(a) Install the thermocouple such that the thermocouple
4.2 Begin the test when the axle assembly is installed on the
tip is flush with the cover plate lip by placing the cover plate
test stand and charged with test lubricant.
face on a flat surface and inserting the thermocouple into the
4.3 Gear Conditioning Phase—Run the charged test unit for
cover plate until the thermocouple tip is flush with the flat
100 min at 440 wheel r/min and 394 lbf-ft (535 Nm) torque per
surface.
wheel, maintaining an axle sump temperature of 297°F
(b) Lock the thermocouple into place.
(147°C). (Warning—High-speed rotating equipment, electri-
6.2.4.2 Temperature Recording System—The temperature
cal shock, high-temperature surfaces.)
recording system shall record the temperature of the test oil
4.4 Allow for axle assembly to cool and perform a gear throughout the test.
inspection. (Warning—See 4.3.)
6.2.4.3 Axle Cooling—Use three spray nozzles to distribute
water over the cover plate and axle housing as shown in Fig.
4.5 Gear Test Phase—Next, run the test unit for 24 h at 80
A5.1. Actuate the water control valve by the temperature
wheel r/min, 1742 lbf-ft. (2351 Nm) torque per wheel and an
control system.
axle sump temperature of 275°F (135°C). ( Warning—See
6.2.5 Power Source—The power source consists of a
4.3.)
gasoline-powered V-8 engine capable of maintaining test
4.6 The test is completed at the end of the gear test phase.
conditions.
Visually inspect the test parts.
6.2.6 Dynamometers and Torque Control System—Use two
4.6.1 Remove the ring gear, pinion, and pinion bearing, and
axle dynamometers with sufficient torque absorbing capacity to
rate for various forms of distress. Use the condition of the ring
maintain axle torque and speed conditions. Suitable control
gear and pinion to evaluate the performance of the test oil.
equipment with sensitivity of adjustment to permit mainte-
nance of test conditions is required.
5. Significance and Use
6.2.7 Dynamometer Connecting Shafts—Fabricate shafts
5.1 This test method measures a lubricant’s ability to protect
connecting the dynamometer to the axle shafts. Shafts must be
final drive axles from abrasive wear, adhesive wear, plastic
deformation, and surface fatigue when subjected to low-speed 8
“Lubricant Service Designations for Automotive Manual Transmissions,
high-torque conditions. Lack of protection can lead to prema- Manual Transaxles, and Axles,” available from American Petroleum Institute, 1220
L St. NW, Washington, DC 20005.
ture gear or bearing failure, or both.
“Laboratory Performance Tests for Automotive Gear Lubricants Intended for
5.2 This test method is used, or referred to, in the following
API GL-5 Service.”
documents: Dana Corp., P.O. Box 2424, Fort Wayne, IN 46801.
D 6121
strong enough to handle the torques encountered and be the ASTM Test Monitoring Center (TMC) and approved
balanced up to 1200 r/min. hardware through ASTM Subcommittee D02.B0.03.
6.2.8 Drive Shaft and Universal Joints—Fabricate a shaft
9.1.2 Do not submit reference oils to physical or chemical
with universal joints connecting the manual transmission and analyses for identification purposes. Identifying the oils by
test axle. The shaft shall have a 4-in. (10.1-cm) outside
analyses could undermine the confidentiality required to oper-
diameter with a 0.094-in. (0.26-cm) wall thickness. Shaft and ate an effective blind reference oil system. Therefore, reference
universal joints should be strong enough to handle the torques
oils are supplied with the explicit understanding that they will
encountered and be balanced up to 5000 r/min. not be subjected to analyses other than those specified within
6.2.9 Transmission and Coupling—Couple the engine to the
this procedure unless specifically authorized by the TMC. In
test unit through a clutch and manual transmission of sufficient such cases where analyses are authorized, supply written
torque carrying capacity to operate normally under test condi-
confirmation of the circumstances involved, the data obtained,
tions. and the name of the person authorizing the analysis to the
6.3 Speed Measuring and Control System, capable of mea-
TMC.
suring speed of both axles and also of maintaining test
9.2 Stand Calibration:
conditions.
9.2.1 Laboratories wishing to calibrate test stands using
reference oils and approved hardware shall participate in the
7. Reagents and Materials
Lubricant Test Monitoring System (LTMS) calibration pro-
7.1 Sealing Compound, where necessary, Permatex No. 2,
gram administered for this test method by the TMC (see Annex
or equivalent.
A1). The TMC distributes reference oils as blind coded
7.2 Solvent, hydrocarbon solvent that will evaporate at room
samples for test stand calibration. Report all test starts and test
temperature, leaving no residue. ( Warning—Combustible,
data using reference oils to the TMC. Calibration frequency is
vapor harmful.)
subject to change as required. Current calibration information
is available from the TMC. Send all reference oil test results to
8. Preparation of Apparatus
the TMC within five (5) days of test completion. Extensions to
8.1 Cleaning of Reusable Hardware—Clean as necessary
this response time may be granted only with prior approval of
all reusable parts including axle shafts, thermocouples axle
the TMC.
housing cover, and all associated drain pans and funnels used
9.2.2 The TMC shall inspect new test stands for compliance
for the addition of and collection of test oil.
with this test method. A test stand is considered new when a
8.2 Preparation of Axle:
test stand is moved. Additionally, circumstances involving
8.2.1 Pretest Pattern Procedure (optional)—Check pinion
significant changes to stand apparatus, instrumentation, and
and ring gear pattern in accordance with Dana procedures.
operation may require an existing test stand to meet new test
Make adjustments as necessary to allow the test unit to have a
stand calibration requirements. Consult with the TMC regard-
gear tooth pattern centered on the drive side of the gear teeth.
ing these matters.
8.2.2 Cleaning—Wash the test unit, using hydrocarbon
9.2.3 Reference Test Frequency—One reference test is re-
solvent (Warning—see 7.2), paying particular attention to the
quired every two months or after 650 test hours on non-
pinion bearings to remove all preservative oil. Dry by blowing
reference fluids, whichever occurs first.
with clean, dry compressed air.
9.2.4 When a test stand is out of calibration for a period of
8.2.3 Install axle shafts in test unit.
six months or longer, renumber the stand, and follow LTMS
8.2.4 Lubricate the carrier bearings, pinion bearings, differ-
guidelines for new stand introduction.
ential gears, and the ring gear and pinion, using the test
9.2.5 Report m
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