GREASE

THE DEFINITION OF GREASE IS:

"A solid or semi-solid lubricant comprising a dispersion of a thickening agent in a liquid lubricant to
which various additives have been added to improve particular properties". Within the aviation industry
there are very many grease lubricated applications covering a very wide range of performance
requirements which are being increasingly extended through new technology developments. Over the
years, many different formulation greases have been developed to meet specific requirements,. Greases,
depending on the thickening agent, are broadly classified as either soap-based or non-soap.
The soap based greases include, for example, aluminum, calcium, sodium or lithium soaps; the
non-soaps silica gel, clay and substituted urea. The low melting points of some soap greases limit their
usefulness. As a result alternative thickening agents have been developed soap-complex thickened
greases, and non-soap greases with a much higher or no melting point. Non-soap thickening agents were
developed for greases needing superior high temperature performance characteristics.
During recent years the number of greases required for aircraft lubrication/maintenance has been reduced
by more extensive use of multipurpose greases.
To minimise the number of greases required per aircraft it should be remembered that by far the most
widely used specification in the aviation industry today is the general purpose grease to MIL-PRF-23827.
Detailed information of each grease is given in this section, but for ease of reference can be split into the
following application categories.

Types of GREASE
ADVANCED MULTI-PURPOSE GREASES
(Wide temperature range with good load carrying properties)
AeroShell Grease 7
AeroShell Grease 17
AeroShell Grease 16
AeroShell Grease 22 (& 22CF)
AeroShell Grease 23C
AeroShell Grease 33
AeroShell Grease 7 and AeroShell Grease 17 have a useful operating temperature range of 73C to
+149C. This coupled with their good load carrying ability make them entirely suitable for multi-purpose
applications in aircraft fleets. Grease containing molybdenum disulphide (AeroShell Grease 17) is
particularly effective for lubricating heavily loaded sliding steel surfaces. AeroShell Grease 16 has excellent
temperature performance. This, coupled with its good load carrying properties, makes it suitable for multipurpose applications in civil aircraft operating for long periods at high speeds. The useful operating
temperature range is 54C to +204C.
AeroShell Grease 22 is recommended for most aviation anti-friction bearing applications. It is especially
recommended for use wherever severe operating conditions are encountered as in high bearing loads, high
speed, wide operating temperature range, and particularly where long grease retention and high
resistance to water washout are required.
HIGH TEMPERATURE GREASES WHICH HAVE GOOD LOAD CARRYING ABILITY
Useful maximum temperature
AeroShell
AeroShell
AeroShell
AeroShell
AeroShell
AeroShell
AeroShell

Grease
Grease
Grease
Grease
Grease
Grease
Grease

5
+177C
7
+149C
16
+204C
17
+149C
22
+204C
22CF +177C
23C
+177C

AeroShell Grease 5 is recommended for normal high temperature applications when low temperature
properties are not required; it has proved to be an excellent wheel bearing grease.
GREASE WITH ENHANCED CORROSION INHIBITION
AeroShell Grease 33

AeroShell Grease 33 has enhanced corrosion resistance, and resistance to washout from water, de-icing
fluids and other maintenance fluids.
GENERAL PURPOSE GREASES WHICH HAVE A LIMITED OPERATING TEMPERATURE RANGE
AeroShell Grease 6
AeroShell Grease 14
AeroShell Grease 6 has a useful temperature range of 40C to +121C, good load carrying ability and is
inexpensive, which makes it suitable for use as a general grease for piston engined aircraft.
AeroShell Grease 22CF has similar properties and is available as an alternative to AeroShell Grease 22
when necessary.
AeroShell Grease 33 has a useful temperature range of 73C to +121C and is suitable for the majority
of airframe grease applications.
SPECIAL GREASES
AeroShell Grease 14
AeroShell Grease 43C
AeroShell Grease S.7108
Apart from its general purpose application for helicopters AeroShell Grease 14 is also recommended when
anti-fret and anti-corrosion properties are required, e.g. splines.
AeroShell Grease 43C is pneumatic system grease.
AeroShell Grease S.7108 is a gasoline and oil resistant grease.
ANTI-SEIZE PRODUCTS
AeroShell Compound 08
AeroShell Grease S.4768
Anti-seize products are needed for application to threaded fittings and splines. They are based on various
materials such as zinc oxide, mica, graphite or molybdenum disulphide. For aircraft use, graphite anti-seize
Compounds, such as AeroShell Compound 08, are generally considered to be the most suitable type for
spark plug threads, propeller splines, pipe fittings, etc.
AeroShell Grease S.4768 is an anti-seize product/compound containing 50% molybdenum disulphide;
suitable for use at temperatures up to +350C.

MAIN REQUIREMENTS
The majority of aviation grease specifications call for greases to be evaluated in the following tests:
-

Drop point
Penetration at 25C, unworked/worked
Evaporation loss in 22 hours (temperature varies according to specification)
Corrosion, copper strip at 100C
Water resistance at 40C
Anti-friction bearing performance (temperature varies according to specification)
Mean Hertz load
Oil separation in 30 hours (temperature varies according to specification)
Bomb oxidation pressure drop (conditions vary according to specification).

In addition most aviation grease specifications call up other tests which are either specific to the type of
grease or to the intended application.

GREASE SUBSTITUTION
Airframe and grease manufacturers do not recommend intermixing different types or brand names of
grease, even if they are considered optional to each other, because of possible incompatibility. When
changing over from one type or brand name grease to another, the recommended practice is to remove all
of the old grease from the bearing surfaces and internal cavities of the lubricated mechanism prior to
application of the new grease. If this is not possible or practicable, then the "purging" technique should be
employed. Generally, "purging" is defined as "the process of injecting grease into the grease fitting until
the old grease has been visibly exhausted from the mechanism and only the new grease is coming out." It
is advisable to seek information from the aircraft manufacturers and their maintenance manuals for their
recommendations regarding purging procedures.
Note: The definition of purging is not specific to the substitution of greases and applies equally to routine
re-greasing with the same grease where the object in this case is to expel contaminants such as wear
debris, dust, dirt and water which may have accumulated in the grease during service. That is, purging
should always be done where the design of the lubricated component is amenable to this purging process.

GREASE SELECTION
In selecting grease for a particular application the following should be considered:
Lubrication Requirements
- Friction requirements
- wear control
- Penetration
- cooling (heat dissipation)
- sealing
- Corrosion resistance
Engineering Component
- Type of component
- Nature of contact (rolling, sliding, etc.)
- Load, speed and size
- Metallurgy/chemistry of component
- Geometrics/space constraints
Environment Factor
- Temperature
- Atmosphere conditions (humidity, dirt/dust contamination)
- Ingress of water or other fluids
- seal materials
- Health and safety
Endurance and Application
- Method of application
- Re-lubrication interval
- Life expectancy of lubricant
- Life expectancy under exceptional conditions
- Life expectancy of component
- Need for protection against unexpected event
- Performance versus cost

Greases
Mostly Used Grease
AEROSHELL GREASE 5
AeroShell Grease 5 is a high temperature grease composed of a mineral oil thickened with Microgel ,
possessing good load-carrying ability. It is inhibited against oxidation and corrosion and has excellent
resistance to water. The useful operating temperature range is 23C to +177C.
APPLICATIONS
AeroShell Grease 5 is particularly effective for use as a wheel bearing grease, especially when landing
speeds are high, and is suitable for the lubrication of aircraft and engine accessories operating at high
speeds and at relatively high temperatures, e.g. magnetos, generators and starters. For the lubrication of
rolling bearings which are required to start at temperatures as low as 23C an adequate period should be
allowed for the grease to channel.

AEROSHELL GREASE 6
AeroShell Grease 6 is a general purpose grease composed of a mineral oil thickened with Microgel ,
possessing good all-round properties within a limited range. It is inhibited against oxidation and corrosion
and has good water resistance and low noise capability. The useful operating temperature range is 40C
to +121C.
APPLICATIONS
AeroShell Grease 6 is general purpose airframe grease for use in antifriction bearings, gearboxes and plain
bearings within the temperature range of 40C to +121C.

Greases
AEROSHELL GREASE 7

AeroShell Grease 7 is an advanced multi-purpose grease, composed of a synthetic oil thickened with
Microgel, possessing good load carrying ability over a wide temperature range. It is inhibited against

corrosion and has excellent resistance to water. The useful operating temperature range is 73C to
+149C.
APPLICATIONS
AeroShell Grease 7 satisfies nearly all the airframe grease requirements of turbine engined aircraft and
also those of piston engined aircraft provided that seal incompatibility does not occur. Most civil aircraft
manufacturers approve AeroShell Grease 7 as general purpose grease either by brand name or by
specification. It is recommended for lubricating highly loaded gears, actuator screw mechanisms, etc., also
for instrument and general airframe lubrication within the temperature range of 73C to +149C.
AeroShell Grease 7 contains a synthetic ester oil and should not be used in
contact with incompatible seal materials. AeroShell Grease 7 is a clay-based grease approved to MIL-PRF23827C
Type II; it should not be mixed with soap-based greases approved to MILPRF-23827C Type I.

53eases

AEROSHELL GREASE 11MS

AeroShell Grease 11MS is a smooth homogenous airframe grease which additionally contains 5%
molybdenum disulphide. AeroShell Grease 11MS consists of a high quality petroleum oil, a non-soap
thickener plus corrosion and oxidation inhibitors.
APPLICATIONS
AeroShell Grease 11MS is mainly intended for use in highly loaded, slow moving, sliding surface
applications. Typical use is in bogie pivot pins and other landing gear assemblies operating in the
temperature range of 40C to +121C. AeroShell Grease 11MS should not be used in any type of bearing
application without prior performance evaluation.

AEROSHELL GREASE 22
AeroShell Grease 22 is a versatile advanced general purpose grease composed of a synthetic hydrocarbon
oil thickened with Microgel, with outstanding performance characteristics. Appropriate additives are
included to achieve the necessary oxidation and corrosion resistance, anti-wear properties and load
carrying properties. The useful operating temperature range is 65C to +204C.
APPLICATIONS
AeroShell Grease 22 is especially recommended for use wherever severe operating conditions are
encountered as in high bearing loads, high speeds, wide operating temperature range, and particularly
where long grease retention and high resistance to water washout are required. The wide range of
applications include aircraft wheel bearings, engine accessories, control systems, actuators, screw-jacks,
servo mechanisms and electric motors, helicopter rotor bearings, instruments, airframe lubrication, hinge
pins, static joints, landing gears. AeroShell Grease 22 contains a synthetic hydrocarbon oil and should not
be used in contact with incompatible seal materials

AEROSHELL GREASE 22CF

AeroShell Grease 22CF is an advanced general purpose grease composed of a clay thickened synthetic
hydrocarbon oil. Appropriate additives are included to achieve the necessary oxidation and corrosion
resistance, and anti-wear properties and load carrying properties.
The useful operating temperature range is 54C to +177C.
AeroShell Grease 22CF has replaced AeroShell Grease 22C.
APPLICATIONS
AeroShell Grease 22CF is especially recommended for use wherever severe operating conditions are
encountered as in high bearing loads, high speeds, wide operating temperature range, and particularly
where long grease retention and high resistance to water washout are required.
The wide range of applications include aircraft wheel bearings, engine accessories, control systems,
actuators, screw-jacks, servo mechanisms and electric motors, helicopter rotor bearings, instruments,
airframe lubrication, hinge pins, static joints, landing gears.
AeroShell Grease 22CF contains a synthetic hydrocarbon oil and should
not be used in contact with incompatible seal materials

AEROSHELL GREASE 23C

AeroShell Grease 23C is an advanced load carrying grease composed of a clay thickened synthetic
hydrocarbon oil and containing molybdenum disulphide. Appropriate additives are included to achieve the
necessary oxidation and corrosion resistance, and anti-wear properties and load carrying properties.
The useful operating temperature range is 54C to +177C.
APPLICATIONS
AeroShell Grease 23C is designed for use as a lubricant for heavily loaded splines, sliding surfaces and in
anti-friction bearings. AeroShell Grease 23C should not be used for other than steel surfaces without prior

performance evaluation. AeroShell Grease 23C contains a synthetic hydrocarbon oil and should not be
used in contact with incompatible seal materials.

AEROSHELL GREASE 33
AeroShell Grease 33 is a synthetic universal airframe grease composed of a lithium complex thickened
synthetic base oil with corrosion and oxidation inhibitors and load carrying additives.
The useful operating temperature range is 73C to +121C.
APPLICATIONS
For many years aircraft operators have been seeking to rationalise the greases used on aircraft and to
reduce the number of different greases in their inventories. Recently Boeing began research on a new,
general purpose, corrosion-inhibiting grease. The aim was for a non-clay based grease that would provide
longer life for components and mechanisms and possess improved wear and corrosion resistance. This led
to the introduction of the new Boeing Specification BMS 3-33. Owing to the wide range of operating
temperatures, loads and other environmental conditions required for various aircraft components, several
different types of grease with different desirable properties are used during routine lubrication of the
aircraft components.

AEROSHELL COMPOUND 08
AeroShell Compound 08 is a heavy duty anti-seize compound, composed of equal parts by weight of fine
graphite (SS-G-659 or DEF STAN 96-1)and mineral jelly (VV-P-236 or DEF STAN 91-38). AeroShell Compound
08 is suitable for use at temperatures up to 500C.
APPLICATIONS
AeroShell Compound 08 is recommended for use as an anti-seize compound on propeller shafts, threaded
connections, splines, spark plug threads and similar threaded aircraft engine accessory equipment. When
used on spark plug threads all traces of this material must be removed from the insulator as it is
electrically conductive. AeroShell Compound 08 is not intended as a general purpose lubricant and should
not be used in ball and roller bearings. AeroShell Compound 08 may be used in contact with corrosion
resistant metals such as austenitic stainless steels, titanium, nickel, and cobalt alloys.Due to the graphite
compound in AeroShell Compound 08, this material should NOT be used in contact with aluminium,
magnesium, cadmium or zinc alloys and platings without prior evaluation. Because AeroShell Compound
08 conducts electricity readily, the mating of dissimilar alloys which may create an electrical potential
should be avoided.

Grease Equipment
I

Polyamide rubber hoses

OK, weve got the manoeuvrability sorted but what if youre in a really awkward spot or perhaps need a
hand free to hold something steady (other than the grease gun of course). Well how about a one-handed
pistol grip grease gun?

Always check the gun has its own air release valve so you dont have any pressure in the system when
disconnecting. Furthermore, an inbuilt filter should also stop any particles in the airstream (compressor
airstreams are not pure!!) from contaminating the grease

One-handed pistol grip grease gun

Manual Grease Pumps and Guns

.

We have an air compressor, and a grease gun that is powered by compressed air

Pneumatic grease pumps

To perform the simple task of injecting a few squirts of grease into a simple grease nipple.
To start with theres the messy business of actually filling the grease gun itself. If you bulk fill your gun by
sucking grease up into it from an open tub then youll know only too well how messy this can be and how
difficult it is to keep everything absolutely free of harmful and abrasive dust. You also need to empty and
clean the gun (or buy several different guns) if you want to use different grease
.
Then theres the job of clamping the jaws at the end of the gun onto the nipple that requires greasing.
Often this requires endless twisting and manoeuvring to get the jaws to lock, not easy when youre lying
on your back staring up at the belly of an aircraft Then you find youve got the gun positioned where it
cant actually be pumped easily. Just when you get yourself comfortable and start pumping, the jaws pop
off the nipple so you need an all-important third hand to hold the jaw connector steady on the nipple while
your other two hands pump the gun itself!!
Squeezing a trigger lever forces the sealant out of the tube and a nozzle directs it where you want it. This
principle is also used in professional quality grease guns but the actual mechanism is much more robust. It
works like this:
The grease gun spring is pulled back until it automatically locks in the fully open position. The
end caps are removed from the grease tube and it is placed in the grease gun
The grease gun is reassembled and the trigger is pushed to release the internal spring. This spring then
applies gently pressure to the grease so push it into the main pumping chamber. When the lever is
pumped this chamber then generates the high pressures required to force grease out of the one-way valve
in the end of gun.
With this set up changing the type of grease or simply refilling when empty couldnt be easier. Simply pull
back the spring on the main body until it locks in place. Then unscrew the main body of the gun and swap
the grease cartridge for the replacement. Then reassemble the gun, and push the trigger to release the
spring.

A grease gun and grease cartridge

4-jaw hydraulic connector

For anything more difficult, especially under and around vehicles, a flexible hose extension is required. But
these must always be fitted with a swivel fitting at the base or they simply dont give the full benefit of
their flexibility. Without a swivel fitting the grease gun itself will fight against you as you position the
connector on the grease nipple. Also, look out for the material the flexible hose is made from since
Polyamide rubber is more durable and strong than plain rubber for automotive applications. Finally, make
sure you buy a hose extension that is at least 300mm and preferably 500mm in length or again you wont
get the full benefit of its flexibility in confined spaces.

4 jaw hydraulic connector (LEFT) & Swivel fitting (RIGHT )

If you have swapped cartridges for a different type of grease dont forget to work the pump a few times to
purge the old type grease from the end of the gun. Also make sure you replace the end caps on any part
used cartridges to prevent contamination.
Firstly, your grease gun should have a 4 jaw hydraulic connector on the end to give a secure grip on the
grease nipple itself. Properly designed and manufactured these connectors can withstand enormous
pressures without leaking or coming loose. What s more good ones are a simple snap fit on and off the
nipple without the need for excessive force or a third hand to hold them in place.

Grease nipples on aircraft

Lubrication equipment for all grease requirements, from grease guns, grease nipples and grease
hoses through to air-operated grease pumps

grease nipples
Hardened steel hydraulic grease nipples with durable
plated finish.

hydraulic nipples
Code

Imperial

Code

BSP
BGNIP12S

1/8"

Metric
M6

BGNM061S

straight

M6 x 1
straight

BGNIP124

1/8" 45

BGNM0614

M6 x 1 45

BGNIP129

1/8" 90

BGNM0619

M6 x 1 90

BGNIP25S

" straight

BGNIP254

" 45

M8
BGNM081S

M8 x 1
straight

BGNIP259

BGNIF25S

" 90

BGNM0814

M8 x 1 45

BSF

BGNM0819

M8 x 1 90

" straight

BGNM082S

M8 x 1.25
straight

BGNIF254

" 45

BGNM0824

M8 x 1.25
45

BGNIF259

" 90

BGNM0829

M8 x 1.25
90

UNF
BGNIU25SL

" long
straight

M10
BGNM101S

M10 x 1
straight

BGNIU25S

" straight

BGNM1014

M10 x 1 45

BGNIU254

" 45

BGNM1019

M10 x 1 90

BGNIU259

" 90

BGNM105S

M10 x 1.5
straight

BGNIU31S

5/16"

BGNM1054

straight

M10 x 1.5
45

buttonhead nipples
Code

Imperial

Code

BSP

Metric
M8

BGNBIP12

1/8"

BGNBM081

M8 x 1

BGNBIP25

"

BGNBM082

M8 x 1.25

BSF
BGNBIF25

"

M10
BGNBM101

M10 x 1

BGNBM105

M10 x 1.5

steel double hexagon type

Code

Imperial
BSP

BGNBIP12D

1/8"

BGNBIP25D

"

couplers and connectors 1/8" bsp

Code
BGNNPO

Push-on

BGNNCC

Conical (pointed)

BGNNSO

Slide-on

BGNNHO

Hook-on

BGNNHOG

Giant hook-on