ASTM D3336 Test Method for Life of Lubricating Greases in Ball Bearings at Elevated Temperatures
7. Test Conditions
7.1 Temperature - As specified up to 371°C (700°F).
7.2 Speed - 10 000 +/- 200 rpm.
7.3 Test Cycle:
7.3.1 Twenty-one and one-half hours running at temperatures of 149°C (300°F) and below - 2 1/2 h shutdown without applied heat.
7.3.2 Twenty hours running at temperatures of above 149°C (300°F) - 4 h shutdown without applied heat.
8. Preparation of Apparatus
8.1 Just prior to lubrication for test, clean the test bearing by rotating it in warm (approximately 50°C (120°F)) Stoddard solvent (Warning - see Note 4) followed by two successive washes of ASTM n-heptane (Warning - see Note 3) and flash dry in an oven at 71°C (160°F). Cool the bearing to room temperature.
8.2 Pack the bearing by hand so that it contains a weighed quantity of grease equivalent to 3.2 +/- 0.1 cm3. The grease can also be measured by volume and applied to the bearing by means of a syringe. The grease shall be worked uniformly into both sides of the bearings, using a narrow blade spatula, making sure that the grease does not extend beyond the facet of the races. For CRC Type spindles the support bearing shall be packed full.
8.3 Assemble the test bearing, support bearing, and Z-spring (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) on the spindle and fix the thermocouples into position so that it is in contact with the outer race of the test bearing (CRC Type spindles). For tests at 232°C (450°F) and above, replace the finger spring washer for each test. For Navy Type spindles insert the test bearing into the housing and press the bearing onto the spindle by application of a light force on the inner race. Place the cover plate in position, fix the thermocouples into position, and apply the radial and thrust loads.
