We describe a rolling contact tribometer exhibiting realistic, reproducible, quantifiable performance over a wide range of contact conditions. These conditions are variable to match a calculated severity integral for real ball bearing contacts. First-order kinematics in the tribometer are described by published ball bearing equations. The tribometer exhibits second-order mechanical contact effects found in real rolling contacts. It has elevated temperature, purged atmosphere, and vacuum capabilities. Results from the tribometer are shown to be directly applicable to a variety of situations in the real world.