ASTM D6185-97(2002)e1 - 10.11.1997
 
1. Scope

1.1 This practice covers a protocol for evaluating the compatibility of one or three binary mixtures of lubricating greases by comparing their properties or performance relative to those of the neat greases comprising the mixture.

1.2 Three properties are evaluated in a primary testing protocol using standard test methods: (1) dropping point by Test Method D 566 (or Test Method D 2265); (2) shear stability by Test Methods D 217, 100 000-stroke worked penetration; and (3) storage stability at elevated-temperature by change in 60-stroke penetration (Test Method D 217). For compatible mixtures (those passing all primary testing), a secondary (nonmandatory) testing scheme is suggested when circumstances indicate the need for additional testing.

1.3 Sequential or concurrent testing is continued until the first failure. If any mixture fails any of the primary tests, the greases are incompatible. If all mixtures pass the three primary tests, the greases are considered compatible.

1.4 This practice applies only to lubricating greases having characteristics suitable for evaluation by the suggested test methods. If the scope of a specific test method limits testing to those greases within a specified range of properties, greases outside that range cannot be tested for compatibility by that test method. An exception to this would be when the tested property of the neat, constituent greases is within the specified range, but the tested property of a mixture is outside the range because of incompatibility.

1.5 This practice does not purport to cover all test methods that could be employed.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific safety information, see 7.2.3.

 
2. Referenced Documents

D972-24

Standard Test Method for Evaporation Loss of Lubricating Greases and Oils

D1092-26

Standard Test Method for Measuring Apparent Viscosity of Lubricating Greases

D1263-94(1999)

Standard Test Method for Leakage Tendencies of Automotive Wheel Bearing Greases

D1264-24a

Standard Test Method for Determining the Water Washout Characteristics of Lubricating Greases (Includes all amendments and changes 12/25/2024).

Federal Test Method 3467.1

(Standard 791C), Storage Stability of Lubricating Grease Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4, Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS.

D1478-20

Standard Test Method for Low-Temperature Torque of Ball Bearing Grease

D1742-24

Standard Test Method for Oil Separation from Lubricating Grease During Storage

D3336-26

Standard Test Method for Life of Lubricating Greases in Ball Bearings at Elevated Temperatures

D3337-91(1996)

Standard Test Method for Determining Life and Torque of Lubricating Greases in Small Ball Bearings

D3527-23

Standard Test Method for Life Performance of Automotive Wheel Bearing Grease

D4049-25

Standard Test Method for Determining the Resistance of Lubricating Grease to Water Spray

D4170-24

Standard Test Method for Fretting Wear Protection by Lubricating Greases

D4175-24e2

Standard Terminology Relating to Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants (Includes all amendments and changes 6/9/2026).

D4290-20

Standard Test Method for Determining the Leakage Tendencies of Automotive Wheel Bearing Grease Under Accelerated Conditions

D2596-26

Standard Test Method for Measurement of Extreme-Pressure Properties of Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Method)

D4425-24

Standard Test Method for Oil Separation from Lubricating Grease by Centrifuging (Koppers Method)

D4693-07(2021)

Standard Test Method for Low-Temperature Torque of Grease-Lubricated Wheel Bearings

D4950-22

Standard Classification and Specification for Automotive Service Greases

D5706-23

Standard Test Method for Determining Extreme Pressure Properties of Lubricating Greases Using a High-Frequency, Linear-Oscillation (SRV) Test Machine

D5707-25

Standard Test Method for Measuring Friction and Wear Properties of Lubricating Grease Using a High-Frequency, Linear-Oscillation (SRV) Test Machine

D2265-22

Standard Test Method for Dropping Point of Lubricating Grease Over Wide Temperature Range

D2266-23

Standard Test Method for Wear Preventive Characteristics of Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Method)

D2509-26

Standard Test Method for Measurement of Load-Carrying Capacity of Lubricating Grease (Timken Method)

D2595-26

Standard Test Method for Evaporation Loss of Lubricating Greases Over Wide-Temperature Range

D1831-21

Standard Test Method for Roll Stability of Lubricating Grease

D1743-22

Standard Test Method for Determining Corrosion Preventive Properties of Lubricating Greases

D1403-26

Standard Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease Using One-Quarter and One-Half Scale Cone Equipment

D217-21a

Standard Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease (Includes all amendments and changes 12/20/2021).

D566-20

Standard Test Method for Dropping Point of Lubricating Grease (Withdrawn 2023)