A friction testing machine (20, 120, 320, 520, 620) and method for measuring friction characteristics between a test sample (S) and a friction surface (44, 144, 544, 644). The machine and method are particularly suited for measuring the coefficient of friction between a rubber specimen or a treated element and different friction surfaces at different sliding velocities, contact pressures and orientations. The machine includes a carriage (58, 158, 358, 558, 658), a motion device (76, 176, 376, 576, 676), a sample holder (62, 162, 362, 562, 662), a variable weight loading device (68, 168, 368, 568, 668), and a force measurement device (92, 192, 392, 592, 692). A processor (28, 128, 528, 628) controls the motion device, controls the variable weight loading device and/or records the measurements obtained by the force measurement device.