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Designation: D1263 – 94 (Reapproved 2005)´1

Standard Test Method for

Leakage Tendencies of Automotive Wheel Bearing Greases1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1263; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

´1 NOTE—Warning notes were editorially moved into text in May 2005.

1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This test method covers the evaluation of the leakage 3.1 Definitions:
tendencies of wheel bearing greases when tested under pre- 3.1.1 lubricating grease, n—a semi-fluid to solid product of
scribed laboratory conditions. a dispersion of a thickener in a liquid lubricant.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the 3.1.1.1 Discussion—The dispersion of the thickener forms a
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
two-phase system and immobilizes the liquid lubricant by
only. surface tension and other physical forces. Other ingredients are
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the commonly included to impart special properties. D217
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.1.2 lubricant, n—any material interposed between two
surfaces that reduces the friction or wear between them.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-

iTeh Standards
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- D4175
3.1.3 thickener, n—in lubricating grease, a substance com-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard
information see 8 and Annex A2. posed of finely-divided particles dispersed in a liquid lubricant
2. Referenced Documents (https://standards.iteh.ai)
to form the product’s structure.
3.1.3.1 Discussion—The solid thickener can be fibers (such
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
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D217 Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating
as various metallic soaps) or plates or spheres (such as certain
non-soap thickeners) which are insoluble or, at the most, only
Grease very sightly soluble in the liquid lubricant. The general
D3527 Test Method for Life Performance of Automotive requirements are that the solid particles be extremely small,
Wheel Bearing Grease ASTM D1263-94(2005)e1
uniformly dispersed, and capable of forming a relatively stable,
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D4175 Terminology Relating to Petroleum, Petroleum gel-like structure with the liquid lubricant. D217
Products, and Lubricants 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
D4290 Test Method for Determining the Leakage Tenden- 3.2.1 automotive wheel bearing grease, n—a lubricating
cies of Automotive Wheel Bearing Grease Under Acceler- grease specifically formulated to lubricate automotive wheel
ated Conditions bearings at relatively high grease temperatures and bearing
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers speed. D3527
E77 Test Method for Inspection and Verification of Ther- 3.2.2 leakage, n—of wheel bearing grease, separation and
mometers overflow of grease or oil from the bulk grease charge, induced
by high temperature and bearing rotation. D4290
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on 4. Summary of Test Method
Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D02.G0 on Lubricating Grease. 4.1 The grease is distributed in a modified front-wheel hub
Current edition approved May 1, 2005. Published May 2005. Originally and spindle assembly. The hub is rotated at a speed of 660 6
approved in 1953. Last previous edition approved in 1999 as D1263–94(1999).
DOI: 10.1520/D1263-94R05E01.
30 rpm for 6 h 6 5 min, at a spindle temperature which is
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or raised to and then maintained at 105 6 1.2°C (220 6 2.5°F).
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM Leakage of grease or oil, or both, is measured, and the
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on condition of the bearing surface is noted at the end of the test.
the ASTM website.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 D1263 – 94 (2005)´1
6.3 Machines furnished with 660-W heaters have been
found suitable, and these will usually provide the proper heat
input to attain the temperatures in the specified time intervals.
However, if it is found that proper balance cannot be obtained,
heaters of the required wattage can be substituted.

7. Test Bearings
7.1 The inner bearing (tapered roller) is Timken 15118. The
corresponding cup is No. 15250. The smaller, outer bearing, is
Timken 09074, with corresponding cup No. 09196.

8. Reagent
8.1 ASTM n-Heptane—99.87 % purity SRM 1815.
(Warning—Flammable. Harmful if inhaled.)

9. Procedure
9.1 Weigh 90 6 1 g of sample on a flat plate. Using a
spatula, pack 2 6 0.1 g of grease in the small bearing and 36
0.1 g in the large bearing (Note 2). Distribute the balance of the
test grease (85 g) in a uniform layer on the inside of the hub
(Note 3). Apply a thin film of grease to the bearing races in the
FIG. 1 Apparatus for Testing Leakage Tendencies of Wheel hub.
Bearing Greases
NOTE 2—A narrow, wedge-cut spatula has been found of considerable
aid in packing the bearings.
5. Significance and Use
iTeh Standards
5.1 The test method provides a screening device that per-
NOTE 3—The balance of the test grease will fill the hub practically even
with the races, and, with the exception of very fibrous greases, can be
distributed readily and uniformly by use of a spatula having a 150-mm

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mits differentiation among products having distinctly different
leakage characteristics (Note 1). It is not the equivalent of
(6-in.) blade.
9.2 Weigh separately the leakage collector and the hub cap

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longtime service tests, nor is it intended to distinguish between
to the nearest 0.1 g. Place the leakage collector and the large
wheel bearing greases showing similar or borderline leakage.
(inner) bearing in the proper position on the spindle . Put the
hub and small (outer) bearing on the spindle, followed by the
NOTE 1—It is possible for skilled operators to observe significant
changes in other important grease characteristics that occurred during the loose-fitting retainer ring . With the torque wrench, tighten the
ASTM
test. Such additional information can be of special interest D1263-94(2005)e1
to individual hexagonal nut which holds the hub assembly in place, applying
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operators. The observations, however, are subject to differences in a torque of 6.8 6 0.1 N·m (60 6 2 lbf·in.). Then back off the
personal judgment among operators, and cannot be used effectively for hexagonal nut 60 6 5° (or one flat), and lock it in position with
quantitative rating.
a second hexagonal nut. Screw on the hub cap, put the V-belt
6. Apparatus on the pulleys, and close the cabinet. (Caution: All grease
collectors should be inspected carefully to make sure that the
6.1 The apparatus shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 has been found
inner lip is flush with the sealing face. Otherwise, this lip will
suitable and is described in detail in Annex A1. The tester
interfere with the correct seating of the inner bearing. In
consists of a special front wheel hub and spindle assembly, the
assembling the packed hub on the spindle, care should be taken
hub being rotated by an electric motor through a V-belt drive.
to prevent contact between grease pack and spindle. From time
The assembly is encased in a thermostatically controlled air
to time, the drive pulley and the driven pulley should be
bath. Means of measuring both ambient (cabinet) and spindle
checked for alignment. Misalignment can introduce leakage
temperatures are provided. A torque wrench, suitable for use on
variations.)
31.75-mm (11⁄4-in.) hexagonal nuts, is also required.3
6.2 The apparatus (spindle, case, and motor) must be NOTE 4—Excessive end play of the hub assembly is sometimes due to
electrically grounded, otherwise the thermocouples will not worn bearings. Therefore new bearings, both cups and cones, should be
function due to accumulated static charges. Provision is made installed after each 250 tests, or sooner if inspection indicates wear or
other damage to the bearings.
for this, as shown in Fig. 2.
9.3 After closing the cabinet turn on the motor and both
heaters. Operate at a speed of 660 6 30 rpm for 6 h 6 5 min,
3
Wrenches meeting these requirements are available from a number of compa- the spindle temperature being raised to 1056 1.4°C (220 6
nies. One example is listed in the catalog of the Snap-On Tools Corp., 8028 28th 2.5°F) then maintained for the balance of the test period. The
Ave., Kenosha, WI, as No. TQ 12A. A suitable adapter and socket are required to spindle temperature of 105 6 1.4°C is obtained by maintaining
match this type wrench and nut. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please
an ambient temperature of 115 6 3°C (235 6 5°F). Leave the
provide this information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will
receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee 1, auxiliary heater on only until an ambient or oven temperature
which you may attend. of 115°C is attained. It is desirable to have the thermoregulator

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 D1263 – 94 (2005)´1

iTeh Standards
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previously adjusted to maintain a 115°C oven temperature, or 10. Report
to have a reproducible setting for this temperature. The 10.1 Report the total amount of leakage of grease or oil, or
ASTMwithin
ambient temperature of 115 6 3°C shall be attained D1263-94(2005)e1
15 both, into the collector and into the hub cap.
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6 5 min. The spindle temperature of 1056 1.4°C shall be 10.2 Report the presence on the bearing surface of any
attained within 60 6 10 min. This combination results in the adherent deposit of varnish, gum, or lacquer-like material,
spindle holding 105 6 1.4°C for 5 h 6 15 min. (Caution: which is evident after removal of the grease (Note 6).
Drafts can affect the rate of heating. Care should therefore be
exercised in the location of the tester.) 11. Precision and Bias 4
9.4 At the end of the 6-h test period, that is, 6 h from the 11.1 The precision of this test is not known to have been
time the motor and heaters are turned on, shut off the power obtained in accordance with currently accepted guidelines (for
and dismantle the apparatus while hot. Wear appropriate example, in Committee D02 Research Report D2-1007.)
protective clothing to permit the handling of hot equipment. 11.2 The precision of the test method as determined by
9.5 After the apparatus has cooled, weigh separately the statistical examination of interlaboratory results is as follows:
leakage collector and the hub cap to the nearest 0.1 g. 11.2.1 Repeatability—The difference between two test re-
NOTE 5—If the leakage collector overflows, the overflow grease or oil, sults, obtained by the same operator with the same apparatus
or both, should be weighed and included in the total leakage reported. under constant operating conditions on identical test material,
would in the long run, in the normal and correct operation of
9.6 Wash the two bearings in ASTM n-heptane (Warning— the test method, exceed the following values only in one case
see 8.1) for at least 2 min at room temperature to remove the in twenty:
grease (see Note 6). Inspect for varnish, gum, or lacquer-like Leakage in Area of Acceptable Difference
deposits. 2g 1.5 g
15 to 20 g 9g
NOTE 6—With some wheel bearing greases, it will be found that the
soaps are not completely washed from the bearings with n-heptane. A film
of soap may, therefore, remain on the bearings. This film can be readily
distinguished from varnish, gum, or lacquer-like deposits resulting from 4
There is no Research Report on file because this method was developed before
deterioration of the lubricant. Research Report guidelines were instituted and data are no longer available.

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 D1263 – 94 (2005)´1

Metric Equivalents
in. mm in. mm in. mm
201⁄2 521 5 127 1 25.4
195⁄16 491 47⁄8 124 3⁄ 4 19.1
131⁄2
11
9 3⁄ 4
337
279
248
iTeh Standards 31⁄2
3 3 ⁄8
31⁄4
88.9
85.7
82.6
1⁄ 2

3⁄ 8

5⁄16
12.7
9.5
7.9
9 1⁄ 2
9 3⁄ 8
8 1⁄ 2
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241
238
216
3.2
3
2
81.3
76
51
1⁄ 4

3⁄16

3⁄32
6.4
4.8
2.4

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8.4 213 1 3 ⁄4 44.5 0.074 1.88
8 203 1 5 ⁄8 41.3 16 threads/in. spacing 0.63 mm 1⁄4 hp = 187 W
6 1⁄ 2 165 11⁄2 38.1

FIG. 2 Details of Main Assembly (continued)

ASTM D1263-94(2005)e1
11.2.2 Reproducibility—The difference between two single 11.3 Bias—The procedure in Test Method D1263 for mea-
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and independent results obtained by different operators work- suring leakage tendencies of automotive wheel bearing greases
ing in different laboratories on identical test material would, in has no bias because the value of leakage can be defined only in
the long run, in the normal and correct operation of the test terms of a test method.
method, exceed the following values only in one case in
twenty: 12. Keywords
Leakage in Area of Acceptable Difference
2g 4g 12.1 automotive wheel bearing; leakage; lubricating grease;
15 to 20 g 9g wheel bearing grease