The Institute of Petroleum has recently published a test method (IP 220/67) for assessing the rust-prevention characteristics of greases. Specially selected and preserved double-row, self-aligning ball bearings are used as test specimens. The test, which lasts for 164 1/2 h, is dynamic, the grease film being produced and part of the test being performed with the bearings rotating partially submerged in distilled water. The performance of the grease is assessed by estimating the area of rust on the outer races of the test bearings. The precision of the test method was established by an extensive international correlation programme involving 30 laboratories from five European countries. This showed a precision which varied according to the performance level of the test greases. The results of tests with greases affording very good protection and with greases affording very poor protection against rusting gave better precision than results from greases with intermediate performance levels.