What is the 4-Ball Weld and Wear Test, and When Should it be Used?

TUnderstanding the 4 Ball Test for Lubricants: An In-depth Discussion
This video dives into the complexities of the 4 Ball Test used in the lubricant industry for screening formulations and evaluating product performance according to specific standards. Detailed descriptions are provided on the concept of point loads, rolling and sliding motions, extreme pressure performance, and screening parameters. The speaker also discusses the real-world limitations of the test referencing a study by the FZG Institute, emphasizing why it may not be ideal for lubricant selection despite its widespread use. The video offers relevant insights for industry professionals and those interested in formulation science and lubricant performance testing.
00:00 Introduction to the 4 Ball Test
00:19 Understanding the Basics of the 4 Ball Test
01:24 Exploring Real World Applications and Limitations
03:29 Deep Dive into the Mechanics of the 4 Ball Test
04:55 Understanding the Parameters and Standards of the Test
06:35 Comparing the 4 Ball Test with Real World Performance
08:02 Analyzing the Correlation between 4 Ball Test and FZG Test
10:51 Conclusion: The Role and Limitations of the 4 Ball Test

[@jimn.9990]

Hello Rafe. Back in 2013, an independent lab conducted 4-ball testing on 10 various synthetic oils produced by different oil manufactures. As I recall the lower three balls forming a triangle were locked into place, each oil being tested was heated to 150 degree C, the top ball was forced against the center of the triangle at a 40 kilograms of pressure and spun at 1,800 RPM for one hour. All 10 oils produced some degree of wear scarring, so that we could analyze which oils resulted in the least wear scarring in comparison to the oils possessing the greatest degree of scarring.

[@jaywinters2483]

I used Mobil 1 EP 5w-30 in my Volvo 850 & had 480K miles on the engine when I regretably sold it. It had great compression, ran like a top. Started every time. No motor noise. I changed oil every 3k miles. Vented crank case gases to atmosphere. Removed turbo. Used high octane. kept rpms around 2200 on highway. That motor would have gone another 250K had I kept it. Didn't have place to park it.

[@neodimium]

Removed turbo?
And then used high octane fuel?
You know what, you should install pedals, so you don't need to fire it up. I think it would last even longer. 🤦

[@brianpresson7834]

So given open gears and bearings I think you are correct however inside of API 6A gate valves, you do in fact have sliding friction with the gate and seat interaction and the gate sliding across the seats, which are static. So what are your thoughts around gate valve grease and the 4 ball weld test?

[@ibrahimqari9189]

First comment
Man you are genius
Thanks

[@oneninerniner3427]

Hmmm very interesting, so the SAG test measures gear teeth wear then, is that what you are saying? How about setting up a test that would be something like a single cam lobe with a roller follower running on it under pressure?

[@oneninerniner3427]

Or something that simulates a piece of a piston ring riding up & down a surface like a piston ring in a cylinder would be?

[@hypercasual]

This has been a very helpful video to an argument i was having with the OEM recently where they were ststing that kingpin failures could be traved to a goir ball weld for the grease of ~600 rather than ~800 (I forget the specific numbers)

[@93Martin]

Loved to see the reference of milk and beer as a lubricant. Just wait, we're going to start seeing engine oils advertised as "Protects your engine %3000 percent better!!!*" (*than whole milk)