Methods for Assessing the Bearing Surface Durability Performance of Lubricant Formulations

Lubricant formulations and lubricant additives have been demonstrated to have a major impact on the surface durability of rolling element bearings. However, there are very few standard tests used to assess the performance aspects of lubricants as it relates to bearing surface performance. Lubricant formulations have been slanted heavily toward protecting gear concentrated contacts from galling and wear. In addition, much of the performance differentiation of lubricants has been dependent on highly accelerated standardized laboratory tests related to gears. Methods have been developed for properly evaluating a lubricant’s performance characteristics as it relates to bearings. These methods are explained and the corresponding test results are reviewed to show their effectiveness as a lubricant performance evaluation tool. The implications of these findings provide direction and suggestions for ways to minimize or avoid potential detrimental performance effects of lubricant formulations on rolling element bearings.