5.1 Trending the wear, contamination, consistency, and oxidative properties of a lubricating grease is a crucial part of condition-monitoring programs. Changes in these properties or deviations from the new grease can be indicative of problems within the lubricated component, such as the mixing of incompatible thickener types, excessive wear or contaminant levels, or significant depletion of antioxidant levels. These test methods also makes it possible to develop trends that can be used to predict failures before they occur and allow for corrective action to be taken.

1.1 This test method covers the determination and evaluation of flow properties, wear levels, contaminants, and oxidative condition of new and in-service lubricating grease.

1.2 This test method provides guidance on evaluating in-service grease samples, NLGI grades 00 to 3, for wear, consistency, contamination, and oxidation.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.3.1 Exception—The exception to this will be where units of references were developed by the developers of the test equipment and necessary to report the results of the test.

1.4 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.