ASTM D3527 Test Method for Life Performance of Automotive Wheel Bearing Grease
6. Apparatus
6.1 Test Assembly (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2).
6.1.1 Custom-made Wheel Hub-Spindle-Bearing Assembly (Fig. 3).
6.1.2 Oven, electrically heated by 1800 watt heater, thermostatically controlled to maintain spindle temperature at 160 +/- 1.5°C.
6.1.3 Spindle Drive Motor, 1/4 hp, 120 volts dc with 1725 rpm speed control the hub; motor torque is indicated by a meter equipped with an adjustable, automatic cut-off.
6.1.4 Fan Drive Motor, 1/30 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 Balance having a minimum capacity of 100 g and minimum sensitivity of 0.1 g.
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 n-Heptane - reagent grade minimum purity (Warning - Flammable. Harmful if inhaled.)
8.2 Isopropyl Alcohol - reagent grade minimum purity (Warning - Flammable.)
8.3 Penetone - ECS (Warning - Combustible. Vapors can be harmful.)
8.4 Stoddard Solvent or Mineral Spirits - reagent grade (Warning - Combustible. Vapors may be harmful.)
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 2 - Cleaning may be facilitated by the use of a sonic cleaner.
